Logic Models (continued)


initial program length and could be measured if you had the time and resources available. Typically, you may not be able to measure long-term out-


comes due to lack of resources (time and budget) but can reflect what you hope would be the ultimate goal(s) accomplished (i.e. greater appreciation for wildlife, support for historical preserva- tion or clean surface waters). Time frames between short, medium and long-term outcomes will vary depending on activities or the type of program.


Final Thoughts Logic models are the first step of an evaluation process and


an excellent tool for organizing information, resources and ques- tions during program development, preparing for a grant and beginning an evaluation process. Once a logic model is complete, an evaluation plan is developed that asks us the questions of what do you want to know, how will you know it, who will have the information and how will you gather the data. Developing a logic model is the first step on the path to program evaluation.


References


Publications Ernst, Julie A.; Monroe, Martha C.; and Simmons, Bora. Evaluating


Your Environmental Education Programs: A Workbook for Practitioners, Washington D.C.: North American Association for Environmental Educa- tion. 2009


Diamond, Judy. Practical Evaluation Guide: Tools for Museums &


Other Informal Educational Settings, Lanham, MD: Altamira Press -- American Association for State and Local History Book Series. 1999


Wiggins, Grant and McTighe, Jay.Understanding by Design. Alex-


andria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 1998


Web Resources Designing Evaluation for Education ProjectsA great resource from


NOAA’s Office of Education and Sustainable Development avail- able in a PDF format. http://wateroutreach.uwex.edu/use/docu- ments/NOAAEvalmanualFINAL.pdf


Measuring the Success of Your Environmental Education Programs


Another great on-line resource that will help you develop an evalu- ation plan for your EE program available in a PDF format. http://www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Inst/I00052276.0/


ee-success.pdf


My Environmental Education Evaluation Resource Assistant An on-line “evaluation consultant” created to assist you in your evaluation needs. http://meera.snre.umich.edu/


National Extension Water Outreach Education Resources for


program evaluation with an emphasis on the use of Logic Models. http://wateroutreach.uwex.edu/use/Evaluate.cfm


Chuck Lennox is the Principal of Cascade Interpretive Consulting LLC in Seattle. His website can be found at http://www.interpconsulting.com.


Page 44


What recommendations would you give to someone who was using them for the first time?


I would suggest that people look at the model itself, and then spend some time looking at completed logic models for suc- cessful projects.


I find that I get a much better grasp of the


logic model concept and keep from making it too complicated and theoretical when I see examples of real life project logic models.


It also makes it easier when you can keep referring to an example as you work through your own model.


Logic Models - Practitioner Interview: Pat Pearson


Pat Pearson is the Water and Natural Resources Quality Direc- tor in Jefferson County in the state of Washington.


When and why did you first encounter Logic Models? Was it for a specific use?


I first encountered Logic Models through my Washington State University Extension work.


ing in about 2006 and have used the model mostly for grant application projects in the Natural Resources field.


What was frustrating about using them at first (or trying to understand them)?


In the field of education projects, there is sometimes a diffi- culty in determining which parts of the project are outputs/ac- tivities and which are outcomes. When you do a project that requires public workshops/seminars sometimes it seems like just getting 75 people to show up and give of their evening time should be an outcome (a sign of the success of the out- reach and marketing) not simply an activity.


Have you used a Logic Model for any project or application? Or know anyone who has? Tell us the details.


I have used a Logic Model for the WSU Shore Stewards program, and for particular grant projects for Shore Stewards. The first time I used it was in applying for funding from the Puget Sound Action Team for the Hood Canal Shore Stewards. We also used it for subsequent Shore Steward grants and for designing evaluation for the program


Why do you think people should know about them?


The model does help in clarifying a project from beginning to end. By getting clear about a current situation, what is needed, and what you want to achieve, you are able to bet- ter design your approach, activities, and evaluation. And it also helps you become realistic about just how much can be accomplished in a set amount of time and creates a structure to look at multi-year, multi-staged projects. The model also assists in looking at potential partners and collaborators.


I received WSU Logic Model train-


www.clearingmagazine.org/online


CLEARING 2010


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