The Need for Comprehensive Evaluation in Science Education |
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| Authors: | DAVID D KUMAR JAMES W ALTSCHULD |
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| Institution: | David D. Kumar is Professor of Science Education at Florida Atlantic University. His research involves evaluation and policy in science and technology education. He is coeditor of the books Evaluation of Science and Technology Education at the Dawn of a New Millennium (New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2002), and Science, Technology, and Society: A Sourcebook on Research and Practice (New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2000). He served as a Guest Scholar in the Governmental Studies Program at The Brookings Institution during the summer of 1996. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists, and an elected Vice President of the Policy Studies Organization.;James W. Altschuld is a Professor in the School of Educational Policy and Leadership at The Ohio State University. He specializes in educational research and program evaluation. His publications include three coauthored books (two on how needs in society and institutions are assessed and one on the evaluation of science and technology education) and many articles dealing with evaluation methods and issues. He has received international, national, state, and local awards for his work in evaluation and for teaching. |
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| Abstract: | This article argues for policies regarding the implementation of evaluation as an integral part of science education reform. Approaches to evaluation should be made comprehensive enough to include multiple methods and, through their use, to gain in‐depth information on large‐scale science education programs and projects. There must be a sustained commitment from stakeholders such as the National Science Foundation to support the training of specialists in the evaluation of science education. Specialists who are able to arrive at independent conclusions that are meaningful and beneficial for science teaching and learning are needed. Evaluation recommendations posited by the authors should be put through careful analysis and feasibility testing before moving to widespread adoption. |
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