Researching the Value of Educator Actions on Learning
2010–2016
Project Description
We wanted to learn how staff facilitation affected family dialog at exhibits—particularly how families talk about math. Emphasizing culturally responsive research and education approaches, we created a study to identify factors that influence the outcomes of family interactions in math-related exhibits.
We used a three-phase design that implemented a design based research study, an experimental study, and an Activity Frame analysis. Our goals for this research were to:
- Iteratively develop and refine a theoretical model of how staff facilitation can deepen and extend family mathematical discourse at interactive exhibits
- Rigorously test key components of this model, including the relationship between staff facilitation and the nature of family mathematical discourse
- Provide evidence and research-based tools to support professional development for informal STEM educators
Publications
Articles and publications produced by the REVEAL project team
Resources
These resources developed and used by the REVEAL project include data collection instruments and approaches to culturally responsive research practices.
Products
REVEAL Professional Development Program
This five-part, video-based professional development program builds on findings from the REVEAL research study. It was created to help museum staff expand their understanding, skills and strategies of facilitating experiences at interactive activities.
Collaborators
Partners
Oregon State University
TERC
ScienceWorks
Adelante Mujeres
Funder
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DRL-1321666. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.