Beyond interviews and focus groups: Creative methods for engaging college students in the evaluation of postsecondary initiatives

Abstract Information: Interviews and focus groups are popular methods for gathering qualitative data with college students. However, methods that engage participants can promote the sharing of student voices and lived experiences to respond to unequal power dynamics within the evaluation. This demonstration aligns with the conference theme of amplifying and empowering voices by offering creative approaches to engaging college students. We start by drawing on our experience evaluating postsecondary initiatives to provide lessons learned and key practices for engaging college students. Then, we share two methods intentionally designed to evaluate the ECMC Foundation’s Basic Needs and Single Mother Student Success Initiatives. The first is an adapted walking interview to understand students’ experiences accessing basic needs services. The second is photo-elicitation to learn the experiences of single-mother students. Evaluators will gain practical skills to meaningfully engage college students to uplift their voices and perspectives that can be adapted to other populations and contexts.