Computer Science – Learning
Scientific paper
Jan 2012
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012aas...21921005s&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #219, #210.05
Computer Science
Learning
Scientific paper
Considerable effort in astronomy education research has focused on developing assessment tools in the form of multiple-choice conceptual diagnostics and content knowledge surveys. This has been critically important for establishing the initial knowledge state of students and measure impacts of innovative instructional interventions over a universe of topics. Unfortunately, few of the existing instruments were constructed upon a solid list of clearly articulated and widely agreed upon learning objectives that span an entire introductory survey course. Moving beyond the 10-year old Astronomy Diagnostics Test, scholars at the CAPER Center for Astronomy & Physics Education Research developed and validated criterion referenced assessment tool, which is tightly aligned to the consensus learning goals stated by the AAS Chair's Conference on ASTRO 101, the AAAS Project 2061 Benchmarks, and the NRC National Science Education Standards, called the Test Of Astronomy STandards (TOAST). This multiple-choice instrument has a high degree of reliability and validity and is being deployed in a number of formal and informal learning environments. A collaborative research endeavor between the CAPER Team and the American Association of Variable Star Observers measured the astronomy content knowledge amateur astronomers, relative to widely agreed upon learning targets. We uncovered that our sample of 300 amateurs have higher than expected scores on the TOAST, significantly higher than students leaving our top-tier ASTRO 101 survey courses. Given recent learning sciences research demonstrating the potential of highly specialized languages that exist within some communities and rapidly declining membership rolls of formal amateur organizations, these scores could be interpreted as a potential communication barrier existing for engaging novices who are potential future club members. These results suggest that organizations may need to strategically clarify the nature of educational experiences they provide than can serve transformative in order to nurture a more robust pipeline of members.
Center for Astronomy CAPER
Education Research Physics
Price Charles A.
Slater Stephanie J.
Slater Timothy F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Is Amateur Astronomers’ Astronomy Knowledge a Barrier to Successful Outreach? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Is Amateur Astronomers’ Astronomy Knowledge a Barrier to Successful Outreach?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Is Amateur Astronomers’ Astronomy Knowledge a Barrier to Successful Outreach? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1577674