University K-12 science outreach programs: How can we reach a broad audience?

Abstract

Scientists conducting kindergarten through twelfth-grade (K-12) outreach often use an expert-driven innovation-adoption model for the dissemination of ideas, similar to the model used in agricultural extension programs. However, social-learning approaches that emphasize the ongoing professional development of educators and the importance of learning from peers may be more appropriate for K-12 classrooms and nonformal educational settings. Building on the innovation-adoption and social-learning literature, I propose a model for K-12 program dissemination. How well a program reaches its dissemination goals depends on the interaction of educators and their context with factors related to program designers and their context, to dissemination strategy, and to the innovation being disseminated. Dissemination goals include the number of educators who either adopt a standard curriculum or adapt program principles and resources to meet their needs, and how well the educators' programs reflect the designers' educational philosophy. The proposed model can be used to inform program design and educational research. © 2005 American Institute of Biological Sciences.