Project FOCIS: Framework for Observation and Categorization of Interest in Science

该项目响应了评估以学生为中心的“校外时间”（OST）科学项目价值的需求。这些项目的数量大幅增加，人们对这些项目的价值越来越感兴趣。目前正在制定三种工具，使执行者能够评估其方案的有效性。这些工具是：(1)参与者调查，(2)观察方案，(3)程序分析方案。运用职业/职业咨询的理论方法和工具开发背后的逻辑，该项目正在解决四个问题。该项目利用一个理论框架，为评估OST科学项目的仪器的开发和集成提供信息。此外，该项目修改了单主题研究设计，以在学生参与OST编程的观察周期中观察和记录多个主题。通过与科学和工程研究界的评估用户合作，该项目解决了对面向从业者的工具的需求，这些工具可以由从业者实施，并且在观测和站点之间具有高可靠性、有效性和质量控制。该项目是由科学与工程中心材料研究项目支持的研究中心的主要研究者和主要研究者以及教育和外联主任合作完成的，该项目由美国国家科学基金会研究和研究活动理事会管理。

This project is responding to a need to assess the value of student-focused "Out of School Time" (OST) science programs. The number of these programs has risen substantially and there is increased interest in the value of such programs. Three instruments that will allow implementers to assess the effectiveness of their programs are being developed. These instruments are: (1) participant survey, (2) observational protocol, and (3) program analysis protocol. Applying the logic underlying the theoretical approach and instrument development in career/occupational counseling, the project is addressing four issues. The project draws on a theoretical framework to inform the development and integration of instruments that assess OST science programs. In addition, the project modifies single subject research designs to observe and document more than one subject during an observational cycle of student engagement in OST programming. By working with users of evaluation in the scientific and engineering research community, the project addresses the need for practitioner-oriented instruments that can be implemented by practitioners and have high reliability, validity, and quality control across observations and sites. The project is a collaboration among the principle investigator and principal investigators and Directors of Education and Outreach of research centers supported by the Materials Research in Science and Engineering Centers Program, a program administered by the NSF Research and Research Activities Directorates.