Key issues and new approaches for evaluating citizen‐science learning outcomes

Abstract

Ecologically oriented citizen‐science experiences engage the public in learning while facilitating the achievement of robust scientific program goals. Evaluation of learning outcomes has become increasingly prioritized, requiring citizen‐science program managers to understand key issues in evaluation. We argue that citizen science can have other, more far‐reaching community‐level outcomes, which have received less attention but warrant consideration for continued programmatic improvement.