| Owner: |
Susan M. Letourneau
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| Owner Email: |
sletourneau@nysci.org
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| Paper Title: |
Defining and Observing Families' Epistemic Agency During Science Center Visits
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| Session Title: |
SIG-Informal Learning Environment Research Virtual Poster Session
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| Paper Type: |
Virtual Poster
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| Presentation Date: |
5/5/2023
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| Presentation Location: |
Chicago, IL
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| Descriptors: |
Families, Museum Education, Science Education
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| Methodology: |
Qualitative
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| Author(s): |
Susan M. Letourneau, New York Hall of Science; Dana Schloss, New York Hall of Science; Sylvia Perez, The New York Hall of Science; Yessenia Argudo, New York Hall of Science; Michael Baburyan, New York Hall of Science; Kate Curto, New York Hall of Science; Edwin Gomez, New York Hall of Science; Truck McDonald, New York Hall of Science; Satbir Multani, New York Hall of Science; Trevor Taylor, New York Hall of Science; Samantha Tumolo, New York Hall of Science; Laycca Umer, New York Hall of Science
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| Unit: |
SIG-Informal Learning Environment Research
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| Abstract: |
Supporting learners’ agency in constructing and using STEM knowledge is critical not only for fostering deeper learning, but also for making STEM education more equitable and inclusive. Informal learning environments like museums and science centers often prioritize agency within hands-on and interactive learning experiences, but few studies have defined what agency looks like within these spaces. The current study uses theoretical understandings of epistemic agency as a lens for understanding families’ experiences in science centers. A team of researchers, exhibit designers, educators, and museum facilitators collaboratively generated a working definition of agency in the context of families’ science center visits, and created a reflection tool to help museum practitioners notice observable aspects of agency in families’ interactions at STEM exhibits.
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| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.3102/2014793
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