Addressing social issues in informal STEM learning: a review of progress, potential, and gaps

Abstract

This research synthesizes recent literature about the ways the informal learning field is engaging with social issues, with a specific focus on the position of STEM knowledge in those efforts. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, research reports, and graduate theses, we found many topics highly ranked in public surveys were being addressed with many notable exceptions. Much of the research examined presents social issues isolated from complex, intertwined societal structures, although some emerging efforts did focus on the societal context of social issues. Our analysis suggests a strong role for the field as knowledge brokers for understanding social issues, but also a need to broaden the range of topics and to more deliberately and transparently include the societal context and structural nature of social issues. The review concludes with a call for more cross-disciplinary and cross-sector efforts.

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