The double-dip: quality discrepancies in out-of-school time STEM programs

IF 1.4 Q2 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

International Journal of Science Education Part B-Communication and Public Engagement Pub Date : 2021-01-02 DOI:10.1080/21548455.2020.1866787

Rebecca K. Browne, Patricia J. Allen, G. Noam

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引用次数: 3

Abstract

ABSTRACT We report on national trends in STEM program quality using the Dimensions of Success (DoS), an empirical observation tool that provides a common definition of STEM program quality. We analyzed ratings for 12 dimensions of quality obtained from 452 DoS observations performed in 452 STEM-focused OST programs across 25 U.S. states by certified DoS observers. When plotted on a graph, the averages for the 12 quality dimensions display a ‘double-dip’ – a phrase that has been used in practice to communicate OST STEM strengths (higher ratings) and challenges (lower ratings). Nationally, OST programs excelled in quality indicators related to features of the learning environment, including preparation, materials, and space, as well as relationships. However, programs demonstrated less consistent evidence for quality in dimensions related to STEM knowledge and practices, including STEM content learning, inquiry, and reflection (dip #1), as well as areas related to supporting youth voice and STEM relevance (dip #2). This ‘double-dip’ persisted regardless of region, locale, season, and participant age or gender, though certain program and participant characteristics changed the magnitude of the scores. Ongoing professional development efforts are needed to address persistently challenging areas that are essential for building children’s STEM skills, content knowledge, and fluency. Key words: Informal education, STEM, research trend, professional development.

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双底衰退:校外STEM项目的质量差异

我们使用成功维度(DoS)报告STEM项目质量的国家趋势，这是一种经验观察工具，提供了STEM项目质量的共同定义。我们分析了在美国25个州的452个以stem为重点的OST项目中由认证的DoS观察员进行的452个DoS观察获得的12个质量维度的评级。当绘制在图表上时，12个质量维度的平均值显示出“双底衰退”——这个短语在实践中被用来表达OST STEM的优势(较高的评级)和挑战(较低的评级)。在全国范围内，OST项目在与学习环境特征相关的质量指标方面表现出色，包括准备、材料、空间以及关系。然而，在与STEM知识和实践相关的维度上，包括STEM内容学习、探究和反思(dip #1)，以及与支持青年声音和STEM相关性相关的领域(dip #2)，项目表现出的质量证据不太一致。尽管某些项目和参与者的特征改变了分数的大小，但这种“双底衰退”仍然存在，与地区、地点、季节和参与者的年龄或性别无关。需要持续的专业发展努力来解决持续存在的挑战领域，这些领域对于培养儿童的STEM技能、内容知识和流利程度至关重要。关键词:非正规教育，STEM，研究趋势，专业发展

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来源期刊

International Journal of Science Education Part B-Communication and Public Engagement EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

3.10

自引率

5.90%

发文量

期刊介绍： International Journal of Science Education Part B: Communication and Public Engagement will address the communication between and the engagement by individuals and groups concerning evidence-based information about the nature, outcomes, and social consequences, of science and technology. The journal will aim: -To bridge the gap between theory and practice concerning the communication of evidence-based information about the nature, outcomes, and social consequences of science and technology; -To address the perspectives on communication about science and technology of individuals and groups of citizens of all ages, scientists and engineers, media persons, industrialists, policy makers, from countries throughout the world; -To promote rational discourse about the role of communication concerning science and technology in private, social, economic and cultural aspects of life