Group Level Assessment (GLA) as a methodological tool to facilitate science education

Area of Science:

• Science Education Research
• STEM Education
• Educational Methodologies

Background:

• Traditional qualitative research methods are often not suitable for large groups.
• The Next Generation Science Standards emphasize Science and Engineering Practices.
• There is a need for methodologies that incorporate students' diverse lived experiences in STEM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Group Level Assessment (GLA) as an innovative methodology for science education.
• To demonstrate how GLA can integrate students' lived experiences into STEM learning.
• To provide practical guidance on conducting GLA in educational settings.

Main Methods:

• Group Level Assessment (GLA) is a 7-step qualitative, participatory research methodology.
• It involves diverse stakeholders (students, teachers) in generating, analyzing, and prioritizing ideas.
• Emphasizes personal relevance, shared decision-making, systematic inquiry, and collaboration.

Main Results:

• GLA provides a concrete tool for large-group qualitative research in science education.
• The methodology aligns with community-based participatory research and inquiry-based learning.
• A case example illustrates the successful application of GLA in a STEM program.

Conclusions:

• Group Level Assessment (GLA) is a viable and effective method for incorporating students' lived experiences in science education.
• GLA supports the Science and Engineering Practices dimension of the Next Generation Science Standards.
• This participatory approach fosters collaboration and relevance in STEM learning environments.