Evaluation of an Environmental Program - Report Example

Evaluation of an Environmental Program (Name) (University) Executive summary The aim of this report is meant to explore the different indicators employed in a tool kit during a tour taken in the Aboriginal Park. Each indicator is different and is meant to capture certain aspects of the tour in a way that will reflect effective interpretation. After looking into each indicator, several recommendations are given on how to enhance visitors’ satisfaction and enjoyment in subsequent tours that will be made. A personal reflection as one of the previous visitors is also given on the general feeling of the park. Table of Contents Executive summary…………………………………………………..……....2 Introduction……………………………………………………………….….4 Indicators A, B………………………………………………………………...4 Indicators C, D, E and F……………………………………………………….5 Indicators G, F, H, J and K……………………………………………………..6 Recommendations…………………………………………………………..6-7 Personal reflection………………………………………………………….7-8 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………....8 References………………………………………………………………….…9 Introduction In the visiting of Melbourne royal botanic garden, it was quite helpful that the tour guide was aboriginal so that he could interpret to us the importance of the garden to us as well as the functions of the trees. He appreciated the aboriginal culture and was very rich information with regards to our tour interpreting to us in a form that we could understand in an entertaining and interesting manner. This is one of the principles of effective Environmental interpretation to translate the technical language and ideas in a way that people can readily understand. In evaluating the various indicators used in the Aboriginal Park, we seek to find whether they were effective and applied any use of the principles of effective environmental interpretation. Indicator A: in using this indicator, its main aim is to capture the extent to which the visitor’s own point of view regarding their heritage and whether there was creation of a link between them and nature that was affected by the interpretation (Ham and Weiler, 2005). The indicator is supposed to indicate whether the interpretation was successful in helping the visitors make a connection and draw conclusions on these matters. This indicator applies the principle of relevance. For any information to be relevant it has to have a meaning or create a personal connection. In this case, we as the visitors felt a connection between us and the nature surrounding us so it did serve its purpose of being relevant both in meaning and personal connections. Indicator B: provoking the visitor to engage by thinking and making contributions is an important outcome of interpretation (Ham and Weiler, 2005). It shows that they are making a connection with the topic and relate with their own ideas. Giving out new information that is relatable or seems familiar to the visitor makes the tour interesting and entertaining, yet another principle of interpretation. This means that the visitor’s attention is being captured. Indicator C: meant to capture the degree to which interpretation contributed in building or enhancing the visitors’ attitude to either nature or heritage preservation (Ham and Weiler, 2005). If the visitors have a clear understanding on the value of the park, they will have stronger opinions about it and have an attitude that is toward protecting it and conserving it. It then follows that interpretation is thematic (Ham, 1992). It has a theme behind it. After learning about the culture of the Aboriginal Park and all its indigenous plants, it made much more sense to protect it and conserve it in order to preserve their culture so as to have something for the future generations to identify with. Indicator D: it is the visitors’ evaluation the interpretation of the site globally (Ham and Weiler, 2005). It is to get their opinions on the activities whether they were satisfactory. Although enjoyment is not prioritized in interpretation, it is regarded as an important quality. This will determine the type of audience whether captive or non-captive. This is the interpreter’s job to create a non-formal setting to connect with the audience (Ham, 1992). Indicator E: interpretation is supposed to make the visitors yearn for more information (Ham and Weiler, 2005). In the aboriginal Park, things kept getting more interesting as we moved from one activity to the other. The indigenous plants and their varied uses were so interesting and captivating one could barely wait to hear about the next plant and its functions. By creating a link between science and human history, an interest is awoken which is an effective principle for interpretation. Indicator F: mostly focuses on commercialization. Were the visitors stimulated to make any purchases directly linked or closely related to the story at the park? In our case, some of us took with them the leaves that were used to make herbal tea so as to use them later. This is an accomplishment of the interpretation. Indicator G: the interpretation should be good enough for the visitors to want to prolong their visit (Ham and Weiler, 2005). This is advantageous given that extra time equals to additional money spent on a variety of activities. Indicator H: visitors may want to make a repeat visit depending on the interpretation they initially received. Indicator I: closely associated with word of mouth advertising in a positive form (Ham and Weiler, 2005). The interpretation received may stimulate visitors to put word out there about the site for others to have a similar experience. This shows that the interpretive program had an impact on the visitors to participate and they would like to make an appeal to other people (Ballantyne & Uzzell, 1993). Indicator J: the interpretation has a certain degree of relevance and meaningfulness in the visitors’ lives. It gives a result on whether they felt a connection to already familiar things in their lives (Ham and Weiler, 2005). Indicator K: in interpretation, one is able to assess the extent to which your actions are provoking the visitors to have interactions with the interpretative staff. It is a means of assessing communication lines and their responses. Recommendations The indicators with the lowest scores are either due to poor content coverage or development of weak themes and the interpretive staff should be able to work on content delivery methods such as provoking interest and engaging the audience in the thought process, this will enhance visitors’ participation and will generate a satisfied visitor. Strengthening the themes can be done by creating a connection with the visitors by creating a link of significance between the park and the visitors’ important parts of their lives. By creating some relevance and meaning, the visitors’ interest is captured and they will desire to learn more about the place in subject ((Koran, Koran & Ellis, 1989) and hence their stay and ultimately their satisfaction is guaranteed. When interpreters find an aspect about the park that they are passionate about and is important to them, they are able to enhance the visitors’ enjoyment. Our interpreter was very proud of the aboriginal culture and the way he spoke about the land was so passionate; if we took care of the land, it would take care of us too which simply breaks down to taking care of all the plants which would in turn help us with its medicinal value in times of need. This made us attach a feeling of importance to the park too. An interpreter should also possess great presentation tools and be enthusiastic so as to make the visitors’ stay enjoyable and leave them satisfied. It is an important tool of communication as they need to be stimulated in order to take part in the activities. By having such a performance, a word of mouth advertising will be created as the visitors will encourage other people to come and have a similar experience. In addition, the interpreter should also make use of proper vocabulary and avoid excessive usage of the technical terms which would otherwise draw away the visitors’ attention. Proper usage of familiar and unfamiliar ideas and linking similarities is more likely to capture the audience and retain heir attention for a reasonable amount of time. In the event that there may occur a language barrier between the visitor and interpreter, a previously trained cross cultural interpreter should be provided to cater for that particular visitor and make it possible for them to explore and respond to the techniques applied. The same should also be applied to all visitors where they are encouraged to respond as active participation is a sign of attention and interest which will yield satisfactory results at the end of the tour. Personal reflection In touring the Aboriginal Park, I was able to largely appreciate its significance to the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung as they once used it as a meeting place and being able to stand on the same ground, made me understand the importance of preservation of such parks. It was very interesting as a feeling of connection is created with the land as well as the people who were once there almost feels like a connection between spirits. The traditional foods and medicine being there shows me how far we have come in the development of our own medicines but does not take away the purity and simplicity that the ancient people used to cure themselves back in the day with the different species of plants. The evaluation program made me feel like my experiences in the park were of importance and that there was actually a tool kit that could interpret and work on ways to improve and make them better. It made me want to make more visits but to different parks so as I could make the experience better for my predecessors by having my own experiences evaluated. This I believe can help make the park attract more visitors given that they continuously work hard to improve on the management issues reflected in the tool kit. My perception on parks has completely changed given the number of years this particular one has been preserved but most importantly, the sentimental and cultural value it brings and seeks to uphold. Conclusion In conducting a tour, interpretation is of essence because it will determine the level of satisfaction and enjoyment of the visitors. The interpretive staff should be guide on the effective approaches to be used to achieve the results at the end and attract more visitors in the subsequent visits. It is important for the interpreter to have in-depth knowledge to be able to effectively represent and communicate the aspects to the visitors (Hungerford & Volk, 1990). By having a theme, creating meaningful and relevant content that will be able to connect with the visitors personal lives and provoking a significant interest will ensure to capture their interest throughout the tour. The interpreters should also focus on having a response from the visitors to enhance communication. References Ballantyne, R., & Uzzell, D. (1993). Environmental mediation and hot interpretation: A case study of district six, Cape Town. Journal of Environmental Education, 24(3), 4-7 Ham, H.S. (1992). Environmental Interpretation: A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets. North American Press Golden, Colorado. Ham, H.S. & Weiler, B. (2005). Interpretation Evaluation Tool Kit, Methods and Tools for Assessing Of Effective Face-To-Face Interpretive Programs. Hungerford, H. R., & Volk, T. L. (1990). Changing learner behavior through environmental education. Journal of Environmental Education, 21(3), 8-21. Koran, J. J., Koran, M. L., & Ellis, J. (1989). Evaluating the effectiveness of field experiences: 1939-1989. Visitor Behavior, 4(2), 7-10. Read More