CAISE is working with The NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program to characterize the state of the informal STEM education field with regard to the dynamics between informal science education (ISE) practice and research (education, learning science, social science, and other disciplines). As part of this work, CAISE is hosting an online forum from January 16-18 to learn about prior efforts that have explored the connection between practice and research, and ultimately to identify and disseminate successful strategies for advancing thinking and action in these realms.
Among the topics to be discussed:
What has been the breadth, depth and impact of projects that have explored the connection between practice and research in ISE to date?
Is there a need for an informal science field-wide research agenda, and is it feasible to develop one?
How do practitioners and researchers make decisions about their work and to what degree do they engage each others' disciplines in their process?
What future trends do ISE professionals envision emerging in these areas and what can CAISE and the NSF do to support appropriate connections and integration?
CAISE encourages professionals from across the ISE field—from sectors including museums and science centers, digital learning and gaming, media, youth development/out-of-school time, and cross-sector research, as well as at differing levels of expertise and experience—to be involved in this discussion. Researchers, practitioners at all levels, and those who work within both realms are highly encouraged to participate.
The forum will use the ASTC Connect platform, which requires registration. To join the forum, visit connect.astc.org the week of January 16 and complete the registration process. You will see a list of forums and workshops; scroll down to and click on the CAISE Practice-and-Research Forum link. On the introduction screen, click on the Forum link (it will have an icon of a person with a speech bubble). When the forum has concluded, it will be archived on the CAISE meeting wiki at caiseconveningwiki.org.
Thank you for your participation in and contribution to this exciting and challenging area of ISE. We look forward to learning more from you!