Constructivist and Values Designs

In this chapter, we turn our attention to the language programs that sit within the Constructivist paradigm and Values branch as framed by Mertens and Wilson (2019). Our review of literature centres on Collaborative Guiding Principles that point to the need for productive community stakeholder engagement. To illustrate this design, we focus on the evaluation of small-scale, community-led heritage language learning programs. Specifically, we discuss how to conduct an evaluation of a Chinese heritage language program in ways that recognize stakeholder agency and community ownership of the language program. The chapter concludes with a call to see communities as diverse, multilayered and sensitive to cultural practices.