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Mapping the informal science education landscape: An exploratory study.

John H Falk1, Scott Randol, Lynn D Dierking

  • 1Oregon State University, USA.

Public Understanding of Science (Bristol, England)
|July 9, 2013
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Summary

The informal science education (ISE) field is not yet a cohesive community of practice. Professionals share some commonalities, but lack widespread relationship-building and focus on shared concerns.

Keywords:
community of practiceinformal science educationpopularization of sciencepublic understanding of sciencescience education

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Area of Science:

  • Informal Science Education (ISE)
  • Community of Practice Theory
  • Professional Development

Background:

  • The informal science education (ISE) field encompasses diverse practitioners.
  • Understanding ISE as a community of practice is crucial for its advancement.
  • Previous research has not comprehensively mapped the ISE community's structure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the informal science education (ISE) field functions as an effective community of practice.
  • To identify the missions, goals, and motivating factors of ISE professionals.
  • To explore challenges faced by ISE professionals and their resolution strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative analysis of open-ended interviews with 17 ISE sub-community representatives.
  • Exploration of self-identification, professional practices, and participation levels.
  • Inquiry into challenges and coping mechanisms within the ISE field.

Main Results:

  • The broad range of ISE sub-communities does not currently form a cohesive community of practice.
  • While some shared practices and language exist, active relationship-building is limited.
  • Evidence of widespread coalescence around common concerns is largely absent.

Conclusions:

  • The ISE field, despite shared elements, lacks the cohesion of a true community of practice.
  • Further development is needed to foster stronger connections and shared focus among ISE professionals.
  • A proposed map of the ISE community offers insights for future growth and integration.