Artists, teachers and administrators may have different goals for a residency. Using many evaluation methods can show how each goal is being met. Evaluation can yield unanticipated results and questions, so try to remain flexible. A problem may have many solutions. Focusing on it keeps us open to trying out many different possibilities.
Evaluation can be most effective when integrated into every phase of a program.
Ongoing evaluation helps us keep track of what we did and whether or not it worked. Evaluation can also be approached in many creative ways. The Mozart School used video and audio tapes of workshops as an evaluation tool that students then used to critique themselves and their peers. Teachers, administrators and the artist also reviewed the tapes to monitor progress over the course of the residency. Like writing, performances and works of art, programs are never done right the first time.