Evaluating the ecotour guide learning materials
Immediately after each training workshop, participants were asked for feedback regarding theimpact and effectiveness of the training materials.
A follow-up questionnaire was then posted to participants approximately one month later.
Thirty-three guides completed and returned this questionnaire.
Most of the feedback regarding the impact of the training materials related to the opportunity for self-evaluation and reflection provided by the materials:
• made me aware of my mistakes and what not to do;
• helped me evaluate and adjust each component of my tours and performance;
• made me really think about my own guiding;
• made me look at my techniques objectively;
• mirror for self-assessment; and
• gets us to think about what we do.
In particular, being able to look at guiding from the visitor’s perspective, being critical of guiding techniques in a nonthreatening context, and being able to discuss ideas and issues with colleagues were all seen as valuable aspects of the training process that had a positive impact on their attitudes and motivation:
• helped me to regain the enthusiasm that I’d lost;
• an excellent way of stimulating discussion;
• the materials taught me to be professional and confident;
• motivates guides to achieve their goals;
• helped me to learn from others’ mistakes; and
• the materials were nonthreatening and were great for prompting discussion.
A comparison between preworkshop and follow-up questionnaires did not reveal any significant changes in the relative importance placed on the functions of tour guides.
However, when asked whether their guiding practices had changed in the month since participating in the workshop, 67% answered affirmatively.
Comments predominantly focused on incorporating interpretation techniques. For example:
• I have improved my talk by adding stories and anecdotes;
• [the workshop] made me realise the importance of involving visitors – I now try to talk to people before each activity;
• my tours are now structured, and I have added humour and interesting facts;
• I have taken out lots of technical information and replaced it with interesting, enjoyable experiences which ..…will enhance their appreciation of the
environment;
• I now use questions to increase visitor participation; and
• I structure my tours around a theme, which I never used to.
Twelve guides also reported that, through the training process, they had become more aware of the need for minimal impact strategies, and the diversity of guiding in general:
• I am now more aware of the environmental impacts of my tours;
• [increased my] awareness of minimal impact strategies; and
• guiding is a diverse subject with very diverse applications.