This a method and associated ideology for educators wishing to evaluate their learners’ experiences during multi-session education programmes. The purpose of this alternative evaluation tool is to re-centre the learner in the reflection process, giving them more freedom to express themselves than traditional evaluation tools might afford.
The method consists of guiding learners to fold their own zine (a handmade, mini magazine),which becomes a reflective diary or canvas during the ongoing programme activity. Each day/session of the programme, learners are provided with a different prompt to aid reflection. Learners are encouraged to use their zines in a way that feels meaningful for them – whether that be communicating through words, prose, drawing, collage, painting, and so on. On the final day of the programme, learners are given time to share their zines with peers, before they take them home as a memento of the experience.
This method was developed at Science Gallery Dublin in Ireland, and then rolled out more widely in Europe including at LATRA in Greece, Kersnikova in Slovenia, Ars Electronica in Austria and Waag in The Netherlands.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- We are sharing our knowledge
We are encouraging practitioners and researchers in non-formal education to try out the tool, and tweak it as they see fit. We welcome users of this method to gather insights and opinions from their institutions and learners, in order to critique, interact and engage with the zine format as a form of evaluative learning portfolio.
- Others/ No specific audience
- Academia/ Universities
