Advancing Evaluation in Informal Science Learning by Joy Kubarek

Advancing Evaluation in Informal Science Learning by Joy Kubarek

This resource explores evaluation within the informal science education landscape, now an essential component of science learning outside K-12 classrooms. Utilizing case studies from academics and professionals working within informal science, the book outlines how these educators can study, support, and better engage with evaluation activities. Contributors highlight the substantial work being done within informal science education assessment, underscoring the need to prioritize program evaluation and equip staff with the knowledge, experience, and resources to confidently and competently carry evaluations forward. Case studies are organized along three sections: assessment of learning, evaluation of programs and exhibits, and building capacity for evaluation. Chapters within these sections address multiple informal science settings, including designed settings (museums), outdoor spaces, citizen science, and media, as well as lessons learned, key takeaways, and applying best practices from the presented studies to other contexts. Assessment chapters consider how standardized metrics of learning are established in informal settings, and the last section focuses on models for informal science educators to gain confidence and support in conducting evaluation as part of their practice. All sections include a synthesis chapter that draws out important themes from across chapters. Ideal for any informal science educator, this book acknowledges the challenges and celebrates the successes of carrying out assessment and evaluation in these settings, both reflecting on the unique work that has been undertaken unique to informal science and bolstering the field for the future.

Joy Kubarek is Co-Founder/Partner of Inform Evaluation & Research, an education research and evaluation consulting firm supporting evaluation and research with informal science organizations. Previously she was the Vice President of Learning at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, USA.

Judith Lederman is an Emeritus Professor and was Director of Teacher Education in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at Illinois Institute of Technology, USA. She has been the Curator of Education at the Rhode Island Museum of Natural History and an elementary, middle and high science teacher.