Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Qualitative researchers are concerned with how the social world is interpreted, experienced, or understood. Qualitive research methods are useful when exploring or identifying unanticipated phenomena, generating new hypotheses, and gaining a better understanding of an educational context or problem. This presentation will introduce you to qualitative research methods and when they are appropriate to astronomy education research questions; why this methodological tradition can contribute to a deeper understanding of teaching and learning; and provide examples of how to use qualitative methods during studies of astronomy education.

About Julia Plummer

Julia Plummer is a Professor of Science Education at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park. She previously completed her masters and PhD at the University of Michigan in Astronomy & Education. Her research interests include the design of learning environments that support children's spatial thinking and science practices, primarily in astronomy. Her research includes both formal environments, such as classrooms, and informal environments, such as planetariums and museums. She currently serves as Research Editor for the Planetarian, journal of the International Society of Planetariums.

Watch a recording of this talk (external link)