The New York Hall of Science proposes a two-pronged workshop project that will: (1) conduct a study of and develop a draft report on the topic of STEM badges including conceptualizations, rationale, systems, key contributors and challenges and opportunities for STEM-related badges; and (2) conduct a workshop drawn from a wide range of experts to provide critical feedback on the report. An advisory board will guide and evaluate the work. Learning increasingly takes place across a wide spectrum of institutions and contexts, through different platforms and environments, and is often incentivized by badge reward systems. There is a concomitant need to understand and make explicit the nature and criteria used, the kinds of accomplishments individuals are expected to realize, and the ways that badges are interpreted by conventional credentialing bodies, such as K-12 educational systems and institutions of higher education. The workshop creates an opportunity for a diverse group of individuals at the forefront of badges to inform each other's efforts. The report that is generated will be available to a broad audience of practitioners, developers and researchers involved in STEM education in both formal and informal sectors as well as to individuals involved in setting STEM education policy.
This report is the result of a task force convened between 2008 and 2009 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to identify the new contexts facing libraries and museums, such as the evolution of the global economy and the need for 21st century skills. The report is designed to help decision makers and leaders in libraries and museums envision the futures of their institutions, respond to future needs, and build awareness among policymakers about museums' and libraries' key roles in the nation's learning system. The report also provides a self-assessment tool for libraries and
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Institute of Museum and Library ServicesInstitute of Museum and Library Services
Research on cultural cognition suggests that members of the public process science-related information by assessing its coherence with values and commitments that connect them to important affinity groups. This suggests a two-channel science communication strategy that combines information content with cultural meanings selected to promote open-minded assessment of information across diverse groups. Hear about this research and explore public engagement strategies for improving science communication followed by Q & A.
In November 2012, ASTC asked its science center and museum members to submit annual on-site attendance data for calendar years 2002 to 2011. One hundred fifty-five science centers and museums responded; 107 of those provided data for all 10 years. The goal of the survey was to collect consistent, long-term data to try to determine if there has been a clear upward or downward trend. Attendance increased overall from 2002 to 2009, but declined somewhat in 2010 and 2011. Large institutions showed the flattest attendance across the years.
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Association of Science-Technology Centers
This dissertation research is a comparative retrospective analysis of major change processes at history museums during the last two decades of the 20th century, based on long interviews with 77 informants. It presents emergent patterns across seven organizations in the study, rather than focusing intensively on one or a few case studies. The analytical framework provided a systematic way to ascertain whether 12 themes that emerged from a review of multiple literatures were salient and, in particular, whether these museum change experiences elucidate or build upon change experiences described
In this article, the author shares general research on the subject of transformation in the context of historical/cultural organizations. The author's research examined seven history museums who had undergone various levels of change and transformation and looked for similarities, idiosyncrasies, patterns, and differences across the organizations and their stakeholders' interests. These changes and transformations are presented in a broader context of shifts in the missions and structure of cultural organizations, and presents key understandings for those institutions seeking to undergo change
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Candace Tangorra MetalicAmerican Association for State and Local History
This book addresses controversial changes in a major cultural organization through the lens of a vital need for a shift in thinking as museums enter the 21st century. Robert Janes is a leading voice in the changes taking place in Canada's cultural institutions. In this case study, the author candidly discusses layoffs, union/management relations, and the urgency of sustainability. Contributions from museum staff highlight the human side of change, and essays by Canadian and international museum directors present thoughtful perspectives.
This technical report summarizes the statistical analyses used to determine how well the Measuring Activation (MA) instrument developed through the Science Learning Activation Lab project gathers appropriate information about the five dimensions of activation. The MA instrument was designed to evaluate the impact of science-learning programs and experiences on activation, and contains a series of survey items organized around five identified dimensions of activation. The five dimensions of activation are: fascination, values, perceived autonomy, competency beliefs, and scientific sensemaking.
This report is the result of a project to investigate through a sociocultural lens whether girls-only, informal STEM experiences have potential long-term influences on young women's lives, both in terms of STEM but also more generally. The authors documented young women's perceptions of their program experiences and the ways in which they influenced their future choices in education, careers, leisure pursuits, and ways of thinking about what science is and who does it. This report includes the questionnaire used in the study.
This report is the result of work undertaken by Ecsite-uk, The UK network of science & discovery centres and museums, to demonstrate the impact of Science & Discovery Centres, to encourage their effective collaboration, and to maximize their future viability. The report includes three parts: the results of a survey of UK science and discovery centres, recommendations for science and discovery centres which will lead to demonstrating value, and best practices shared between science and discovery centres from those that have achieved financial stability. In addition to this report, Ecsite-uk
This article examines wayfinding in museums: what is it, how do museums accomplish it, and how happy are museums with their wayfinding programs and handout maps. The article includes findings from a 1995-1996 study of 41 village museums across America based on a 38-part questionnaire.
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Dennis O'BrienVisitor Studies Association
This paper describes how an understanding of visitors could improve visitor services and museum experiences in order to maximize the attainment of museum objectives. Data from preliminary research at the Nehru Science Centre in India and implementation of findings in day-to-day management of science centre activities has brought about perceptible results, especially in creating new audiences and retaining visitors, thereby increasing overall visitor numbers and, above all, creating a renewed interest in the science centre among the community.