Administering surveys to K-5 children for post-project evaluation

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Abstract

When evaluating the effectiveness of a program, it is important to collect feedback from all participants, including children. While there are other methods of research and evaluation, well-designed surveys administered at the beginning and ending of a program can provide accurate information and can be compiled easily to measure performance. Creating this type of survey requires specialized knowledge. Brianna Schultz, an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Michigan Campus Compact at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, (2004-05) submitted this effective practice.

Issue

Typically programs administer surveys to adults, and there are many useful resources readily available for designing this type of survey. However, creating a child-friendly survey is quite a different undertaking, with unique requirements and parameters.

Action

Designing The Survey

Keep it simple. The survey should be no more than 10 obvious questions or statements (i.e. statements such as “I am a good reader;” or questions such as “Do you like reading?”)
Instead of offering “Strongly Agree,” “Agree,” etc. as options for each item, present pictures that reflect the same ideas. For example, “Agree” could be represented by a smiley face for the child to color or circle.
When creating a child-friendly survey, use large font, multiple colors, and/or pictures.

Administering The Survey

If your organization requires parental permission in order for children to participate, include a clause about survey administration. If you do not, you may want to send a permission slip home for parents to sign before administering the survey.
In a school setting, always provide a copy of the survey to a principal, superintendent, or program manager for review prior to administering the survey.
Surveys are best given to children one-on-one or in small groups to ensure that each child is correctly completing the items.
Offer crayons or markers for each child to use.
Explain the survey clearly and read each question aloud before the child completes it.
You may want to record the child’s answers on a separate piece of paper so they can share their surveys with their parents. Parents enjoy seeing what their children are doing in the programs in which they are involved.

Context

Founded in 1989, Michigan Campus Compact is a state-wide nonprofit that promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students to be civically engaged citizens, through creating and expanding academic, co-curricular, and campus-wide opportunities for community service, service-learning, and civic engagement.

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

AmeriCorps*VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material resources to increase the capacity of thousands of low-income areas across the country to address challenges and improve the lives of the people in those communities.