Examining the Roles of Science Museum Facilitators in Academic Research

Abstract

Research into teaching and learning in science museums has led to innovations in pedagogy, exhibits, and educational programming. Science museum facilitators play a critical role in advancing the educational missions of their institutions, yet the roles that these facilitators have in academic research projects aimed at understanding learning within the context of their museums vary widely. In this systematic review, 40 articles and book chapters were reviewed for how science museum facilitators participate in reported research and design activities. The findings suggest that facilitators take on a variety of roles within research projects, from simply being talked about in the context of professional development programs, to taking active roles as co-designers and co-researchers in their institutions. Increasing opportunities for facilitator agency and voice within academic research may improve scholarly understanding of facilitators’ experiences, pedagogies, and institutional constraints, thus improving the designs of exhibits, educational programming, and professional development opportunities.

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