Evaluation in Environmental Education: Time for a Change in Perspective?

Abstract

The proposition has been advanced that the appropriateness of conventional approaches to evaluation of EE needs to be regarded as problematic. The paper addresses this proposition by considering the resonances between two different perspectives to evaluation, and commonly accepted characteristics of EE. Both perspectives to evaluation will be considered in respect to their epistemology, locus of control, and interests served—in short, in respect to their “political theory.” Finally, the argument will be advanced that the choice of evaluation paradigm for EE be a deliberative one based on the relationship between the “political theory” of the evaluation, and the intentions of the program to be evaluated.