Evaluating science outreach: case study in the Wohl Reach Out Lab
File(s)
Author(s)
Zivtins, Roberts
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The science sector has inequitable participation from certain socio-demographic groups; women, black and working-class individuals are under-represented. These inequalities are thought to emerge in early life and formal education may exacerbate them. This study evaluates the work of an initiative which aims to redress this inequality: the Wohl Reach Out Lab (WROL).
The WROL is a specialist outreach centre at Imperial College London. It was founded to encourage under-represented students to continue participating in science by providing hands- on science experiences. The WROL hosts several outreach programmes, including a partnership with a local school. This study focusses on the school-WROL partnership programme.
Using a mixed-methods approach, three questions are answered:
1. What are the desired outcomes of the WROL?
2. Does visiting the WROL increase students’ levels of science capital?
3. What are the features and pedagogical practices of the WROL?
Data were collected using a combination of methods. Interviews were conducted with visiting teachers and the session leaders to determine what they hoped the WROL would achieve. Questionnaires were used to measure students’ levels of science capital both before and after visiting the WROL to assess any resulting changes. Group interviews with students were also used to supplement the questionnaire data. Finally, WROL sessions were observed to reveal common pedagogical practices.
This study found that teachers value the WROL as an informal educational setting, because it provides students with non-school experiences of science. Observation showed some practices within the WROL successfully delivered this, by providing non-standard equipment and university mentors. However, this thesis also describes a tension between formal and informal learning in the WROL, where sessions often replicated elements of ‘school science’, rather than providing students with a new experience. This thesis concludes with recommendations, building on the WROL’s existing strengths to make the practices used within more inclusive.
The WROL is a specialist outreach centre at Imperial College London. It was founded to encourage under-represented students to continue participating in science by providing hands- on science experiences. The WROL hosts several outreach programmes, including a partnership with a local school. This study focusses on the school-WROL partnership programme.
Using a mixed-methods approach, three questions are answered:
1. What are the desired outcomes of the WROL?
2. Does visiting the WROL increase students’ levels of science capital?
3. What are the features and pedagogical practices of the WROL?
Data were collected using a combination of methods. Interviews were conducted with visiting teachers and the session leaders to determine what they hoped the WROL would achieve. Questionnaires were used to measure students’ levels of science capital both before and after visiting the WROL to assess any resulting changes. Group interviews with students were also used to supplement the questionnaire data. Finally, WROL sessions were observed to reveal common pedagogical practices.
This study found that teachers value the WROL as an informal educational setting, because it provides students with non-school experiences of science. Observation showed some practices within the WROL successfully delivered this, by providing non-standard equipment and university mentors. However, this thesis also describes a tension between formal and informal learning in the WROL, where sessions often replicated elements of ‘school science’, rather than providing students with a new experience. This thesis concludes with recommendations, building on the WROL’s existing strengths to make the practices used within more inclusive.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2021-08
Date Awarded
2022-05
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Winston, Robert
Publisher Department
Department of Surgery & Cancer
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)