In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. This book explores the role of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce and its value in keeping America innovative and competitive. According to the book, the U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than in any other sector in the coming years, making
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TEAM MEMBERS:
National Research CouncilCommittee on Underrepresented Groups and the Expansion of the Science and Engineering Workforce PipelineCommittee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP)Policy and Global Affairs (PGA)National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of EngineeringInstitute of Medicine (IOM)
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
This book describes the similarities and differences between scientific inquiry in education and scientific inquiry in other fields and disciplines and provides a number of examples to illustrate these ideas. Its main argument is that all scientific endeavors share a common set of principles, and that each field including education research develops a specialization that accounts for the particulars of what is being studied. The book also provides suggestions for how the federal government can best support high-quality scientific research in education.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
National Research CouncilRich ShavelsonLisa Towne
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
This report addressed a request from the President in 2009 to develop specific recommendations concerning the most important actions that the administration should take to ensure that the United States is a leader in STEM education in the coming decades. The report focuses primarily on the K-12 level, and lists two main conclusions: that we must focus on preparation and inspiration to improve STEM education, and that the federal government has historically lacked a coherent strategy and sufficient leadership capacity for K-12 STEM education. Additionally, the report includes seven policy
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President’s Council of Advisors on Science and TechnologyPresident’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this brief article, VSA Student Board Member Steven Yalowitz discusses the upcoming VSA 2000 Conference in Boston and the ways student members can participate
This paper presents research reports from visitor studies researchers in the UK, Australia, and Brazil. Authors discuss the progress of the audience research field in their respective countries.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Anne PenningtonCarol Scott
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
This article is a summary of remarks at a special half-day session on April 28, 2000, part of a joint effort of the Informal Learning Strand of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and the American Educational Research Association's Informal Learning Environments Research Special Interest Group. Topics included finding a unified voice and hinderances in the field of informal learning research.
This article discusses the goals, methods, and findings of a research study conducted by staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to evaluate their revised sea otter feeding program. The study evaluated the success of the volunteer training and peer coaching program as well as the effectiveness of the new program format in promoting the aquarium's mission.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Adrienne McGraw
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this brief article, Nina Jensen, Director of the Museum Education Program at Bank Street College of Education, responds to the question about the role of internships in preparing professionals for a museum career. Jensen also advises what one should look for in an internship.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Nina Jensen
resourceevaluationProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In February 2013, the Atomic Heritage Foundation (AHF) brought together historians, sociologists and other scholars, as well as museum directors and thought leaders from the informal science education field to engage in a two-day discussion to explore ways to engage the public in the topic of the development of the atomic bomb in the context of history, society and culture. The workshop, titled "Transforming the Relationship Between Science and Society: The Manhattan Project and Its Legacy," had as its overarching goal to identify how the Manhattan Project might best be interpreted in a
In this article, VSA President Deborah Perry presents an overview of the work of the Visitor Studies Association over the previous few months. Topics include the Executive Committee, Conference Committee, resource development, Board development, professional development, and publications.
In this article, "Visitor Studies Today" Editor Chris Parsons discusses resources for planning and budgeting for evaluation projects. Parsons suggests several websites that offer overviews from different perspectives for professionals just getting started in evaluation or need a bit of a refresher.
In this article, VSA President Mary Ellen Munley reflects on the "homecoming" she experienced at the past VSA annual conference in Columbus as well as the value of VSA activities.