Measuring the Impact of CSIRO’s Non-Formal Education Programs

Authors

Peter Schembri,  Graham S. Leto,  Kristen M. Garza,  Eric D. Donahue

Sponsor

CSIRO-Australia

Advisor

Paul W. Davis

Term

January – March 2010

Abstract

We developed and implemented a system to assess the impact of two programs of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) that stimulate Australian students’ interest in science. Student questionnaires and teacher interviews before and after the programs and student observations during the programs showed that students were well engaged during the programs but exhibited no long-term, statistically significant changes in interest. Drawing on interviews, observations and questionnaires, we identified several strategies to improve both engagement and long-term impact.

Final Report

Measuring the impact of CSIRO’s non-formal education programs.