The company you keep: Networks in a community of informal education evaluators |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA;2. Graduate School of Education, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;3. Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;4. Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA;1. School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA;2. Department of Agricultural and Extension Education & Evaluation, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA;3. School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA;1. University of Kentucky, Dept. of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation, 144 Taylor Education Bldg, Lexington, KY 40506, United States;2. University of Kentucky, Dept. of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation, 144C Taylor Education Bldg, Lexington, KY 40506, United States;3. University of Kentucky, Dept. of Educational Policy Studies & Evaluation, 144A Taylor Education Bldg, Lexington, KY 40506, United States |
| |
| Abstract: | We investigate the relationship between characteristics of a professional network and members’ evaluation-related learning, applying the “communities of practice” framework to understand social dynamics and information flows. We focus on members of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA)’s Conservation Education Committee. These professionals collaborate to design, execute, and evaluate programs. Individuals (n = 35) completed a survey and participated in semi-structured interviews, allowing us to explore relationships, identify factors influencing communication, and better understand members’ approaches to program evaluation. We found that connections were made based on general expertise and reputation rather than individual subject knowledge. The combination of network and qualitative data reveal where information is being isolated and suggest strategies for more effective dissemination of evaluation-related knowledge and practice. |
| |
| Keywords: | Zoo/aquarium education Evaluation Community of practice Network analysis |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
