Participatory evaluation in education for sustainable development

Abstract

In this paper we are reconsidering which approach to evaluation suits the best to education for sustainable development. We approach the evaluation in education for sustainable development through mapping key points in a technical and participatory approach to evaluation. In the central part of the paper, based on outlined characteristics, we propose a sketch of the potential model of a participatory approach to evaluation. The proposed model is based on interconnection between reflection and action. The principles that shape the model are flexibility, listening, multi-perceptivity, trust, negotiation and participation which emerge in a complex context. In the final part of the paper, we are highlighting the necessary steps for achieving a potential model of participatory approach to evaluation as a support to education for sustainable development. For establishment of such a model we need to reach a consensus in understanding the purpose and expectations of education, to reconsider the previous approach to evaluation in education and to increase number of researches on different approaches in evaluation.