Collaborative Research - STAR Library Network Phase 3: Enhancing STEAM Equity and Learning Opportunities in Libraries and Their Rural Communities

作为在非正式环境中加强学习的总体战略的一部分，推进非正式STEM学习(AISL)计划为各种环境中使用的创新研究、方法和资源提供资金。该项目将侧重于解决农村青年面临的挑战，特别强调那些学习英语的青年。该项目将通过图书馆和图书管理员提供非正规教育，为农村青年和社区提供独特的机会。在多年研究和试验的基础上，该项目还将加强正规教育部门。该项目的背景是以拉丁裔为主的社区中的12个农村学区。项目合作伙伴是空间科学研究所、美国图书馆协会(ALA)、学习创新研究所和双城公共电视台。拉美裔社区的专业知识将在该项目中发挥重要作用。该项目将通过在公共图书馆环境中整合三种学习途径(即科学学习空间、计划和科学工具包)的协调和经过测试的战略，吸引不同背景、年龄和对科学感兴趣的学习者。结果应该会产生一个在全国范围内应用的模型。主要目标是：1)建立学习途径，通过展览主办图书馆与农村社区接触；(2)通过图书馆及其支持系统，增加农村社区学习艺术丰富的STEM的机会。在已建立的培训模式基础上，该项目将向图书馆工作人员介绍展品的STEAM内容，并指导他们开发自己的STEAM学习途径。SciGirls的数字媒体、实践活动、家庭资源和培训网络将扩大项目的深度和覆盖范围。该项目利用现有的专业基础设施，通过美国图书馆协会和研究所现有的实践社区，提高图书馆工作人员的能力。研究人员将单独和同时研究每条途径对参与者兴趣发展和持久力的影响。这项研究将使用基于设计的混合方法，包括问卷调查、访谈和案例研究。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

As part of its overall strategy to enhance learning in informal environments, the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program funds innovative research, approaches and resources for use in a variety of settings. This project will focus on addressing the challenges faced by rural youth with a particular emphasis on those youth who are English Language Learners. The project will provide informal education via libraries and librarians which can provide unique opportunities for rural youth and communities. Building on several years of research and experimentation, this project will augment the formal education sector, as well. The settings for the project are 12 rural school districts in largely Latinx communities. The project partners are the Space Science Institute, the American Library Association (ALA), the Institute for Learning Innovation and the Twin Cities Public Television. Expertise from the Latinx community will play a significant part in the project. The project will engage learners from diverse backgrounds, ages, and interests in science through a coordinated and tested strategy incorporating three Learning Pathways (i.e., Science Learning Spaces, Programs, and Science Kits) in a public library environment. The results should yield a model for Nationwide application. The main goals are: 1) to establish learning pathways to engage rural communities through exhibit host libraries and (2) to increase art-rich STEM learning opportunities for rural communities through libraries and their support systems. Building on an established training model, the project will introduce library staff to the STEAM content of the exhibits and guide them in developing their own STEAM Learning Pathways. SciGirls digital media, hands-on activities, family resources, and a training network will expand the depth and reach of the project. The project draws on existing professional infrastructure to increase library staff capacity through ALA and the Institute's established community of practice. The researchers will study the efficacy of each pathway, alone and in tandem, on participant's interest development and persistence. The research will use a mixed-methods design-based approach that involves questionnaires, interviews and case studies.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.