Evaluation for the GK-12 Project
The evaluation of the GK-12 project is based around a logic model,
which outlines the project goals and outcomes and what will be done to achieve them.
The variables associated with the impact of broad project activities will be
evaluated using a quasi-experimental design that will be administered to selected
students by pretests and posttests. Qualitative data will be collected in the form
of focus group feedback, student projects, and other artifacts. Concept maps will also
be used enhance and evaluate students’ learning of STEM content knowledge.
Evaluation and assessment will be based on the four main project goals:
-
Enhance the quality of STEM education for middle school students (MSS).
A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design will be used to examine the impact
of broad project activities on STEM content knowledge and STEM interest for
selected students who participate in the GK-12 initiative compared to a matched
sample of students who do not receive this program. Qualitative data in the form
of interviews, student projects, and other artifacts will supplement the quantitative
analysis to provide a deeper understanding of the student experience.
-
Provide training and mentoring for graduate student fellows.
Variables of interest are knowledge of pedagogy, understanding of complex learning
environments, better understanding of scientific inquiry, and personal confidence
in the classroom and ability to ask and answer questions related to STEM learning.
These variables will be evaluated using structured interview, online discussion,
observation by faculty mentors, and feedback from participating middle school
teachers and students. Product evaluation will involve analysis of learning modules
and course-related artifacts.
-
Provide professional development for middle school teachers.
Variables such as teacher attitudes, STEM content knowledge, and instructional
pedagogy will be measured through classroom observations, teacher interviews,
teacher surveys, and assessment of teacher content knowledge.
Online discussion during the course of the project will also provide an
overview of development and impact of various project components.
-
Foster partnerships between university and school corporations.
Purdue project management team and the middle school leadership and teachers
will respond to an open-ended questionnaire each semester to determine progress
toward promoting stronger partnerships. These data will be used for formative
purposes to determine a need for project refocusing or readjustments.
Goals will also be evaluated through activities related to: teacher support,
graduate fellow support, access to instructional alternatives, availability of
innovative curricular materials, and idea exchange. Data describing frequency
of use, perceptions of value of support, and suggestions for further classroom
and professional development enhances will be collected.
List of assessment materials:
Graduate Fellow Information Form
Teacher Information Form
Student Information Form
Two Pre/Post Science Concept Maps
Pre/Post Draw-a-scientist activity
Graduate Fellow Pre/Post Program Survey
Teacher Pre/Post Program Survey
Teaching Practice Survey
Post Graduate Fellow Interview
Post Teacher Interview
Classroom Observation
If you would like a copy of the assessment materials please contact us
| Amy Childress |
Deb Bennett |
Melissa Dyehouse |
| Intern Coordinator |
Assessment Specialist |
Graduate Assistant |
| Discovery Learning Center |
Discovery Learning Center |
Discovery Learning Center |
| childres@purdue.edu
| bennett@purdue.edu
| mdyhous@purdue.edu
|
|
