iPAGE - Developing a Model for Broadening Participation in Informal STEM Institutions

非正式的科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)机构寻求促进具有科学素养的文化，其中包括新的和创新的学习机会，多样化的科学家和科学教育工作者社区，公平对待所有人，以及发展一支训练有素的劳动力队伍。为了实现这些目标，非正式的STEM机构必须为所有学习者提供欢迎和富有成效的学习经验。IPAGE模式是一项综合性计划，旨在让非正式STEM机构的团队与其同事合作，使其机构拥有更具包容性的学习环境，以便在其中学习、参与和认同STEM。该项目包括学习模块、研讨会、实地访问和特定机构的活动，所有这些都旨在建立与在非正式STEM机构创造包容性环境有关的知识、意识和能力。核心IPAGE模式基于美国农业部的农业推广服务。它包括一种从知识到行动的方法，在这种方法中，个人通过评估知识使用的障碍、选择和实施干预措施、评估结果和持续不断的努力，使他们所学到的东西适应当地情况。通过基于设计的迭代循环，该项目将改进其实践、学习模块和行动理论。通过调查、访谈和案例研究，研究团队将记录团队和机构寻求变得更加欢迎、多样化和包容的机构时的学习、实施障碍和文化变化。该项目由推进非正式STEM学习(AISL)计划资助，该计划旨在促进对非正式环境中STEM学习的设计和发展的新方法和基于证据的理解。

Informal Science, Techology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) institutions seek to contribute to a scientifically literate culture, which includes new and innovative learning opportunities, a diverse community of scientists and science educators, equitable treatment for all, and the development of a well-trained workforce. In order to achieve these goals, informal STEM institutions must provide learning experiences that are welcoming and productive for all learners. The iPAGE model is a comprehensive program that prepares teams within informal STEM institutions to work with their colleagues to make their institutions more inclusive learning environments in which to learn, engage in, and identify with STEM. The project incorporates learning modules, workshops, site visits, and institution-specific activities all geared to build knowledge, awareness, and capacity related to creating inclusive environments at informal STEM institutions.The core iPAGE model is based on the US Department of Agriculture's agricultural extension service. It includes a Knowledge-to-Action approach, in which individuals adapt what they learn to local contexts by assessing barriers to knowledge use, selecting and implementing interventions, evaluating outcomes, and sustaining ongoing efforts. Through cycles of design-based iteration, the project will improve its practice, learning modules, and theory of action. Through surveys, interviews, and case studies, the research team will document learning, barriers to implementation, and culture change as teams and institutions seek to become more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive institutions.This project is being funded by the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program, which seeks to advance new approaches to, and evidence-based understanding of, the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments.