Project Impacts
Physiology Insights developed and implemented multiple models for faculty professional development. These included a summer research program; a meeting-within-a-meeting workshop; and a separate faculty development workshop. Each of these models was evaluated for its effectiveness. The program used a combination of evaluation methods to provide both formative and summative evaluation, using an external evaluator – Horizon Research, Inc. – where appropriate. Specifically, the external evaluator:
- Conducted the formative and summative evaluation of the summer research program, using surveys, observations, and interviews;
- Developed survey forms to collect workshop exit data for the Local Outreach workshops;
- Analyzed data for two of the first three Local Outreach workshops (Fort Wayne and Charlotte); and
- Scanned in data from the Local Outreach workshops in Chicago and Washington, DC and stripped out identifying information.
Internally, the project staff:
- Analyzed the exit data from the Local Outreach workshops;
- Developed and administered a follow-up survey on the Local Outreach workshops; and
- Analyzed the follow-up data from the Local Outreach workshops.
Highlights from the evaluations of the summer research program and the workshops are provided below and in the Physiology Insights Final Report attached below.
Summer Research Program Evaluation: The Physiology Insights Summer Research program was evaluated by an external evaluation team, Horizon Research, Inc. They found that:
The preparation provided by the ... Insights program appears to have had a positive affect on teachers' ability to integrate new content knowledge into their classroom instruction and to use a number of reform-oriented strategies. Helping [fellows] transition between preparedness and classroom practice was a challenge the program intended to meet primarily through providing a context for exploration of the recommended pedagogy in conjunction with application of content knowledge. Two such contexts were provided: (1) Exploration of APS-developed, physiology-based inquiry laboratories during the Retreat; and (2) "translation" of summer experiences into an inquiry-based lesson for ...undergraduate-level students. Based on evaluation survey responses, the vast majority of [fellows] felt that they had gained a better understanding of the integration of content and pedagogy in the classroom and believed they could integrate their summer research experiences into a classroom lesson for their students.
The Physiology Insights Workshops were evaluated by program staff using post-workshop and follow-up surveys. According to their findings, participants rated the workshops high based on the following:
- Freedom to attend individually constructed schedules
- Opportunity to visit/network with other undergraduate educators
- Exposure to scientists active in educational careers
- Ideas for inquiry-based laboratory settings
- Exchange of ideas on curriculum and other topics of interest
Faculty Workshop Evaluation: Workshops were evaluated via exit surveys at the end of each workshop and a follow up survey to assess implementation of workshop materials, pedagogy, and concepts. Overall, participants gave very high ratings to the workshops on the exit surveys. More importantly, the follow-up survey results indicate that most participants used content, pedagogy, and specific lessons provided by the workshops in their courses and classrooms. See Physiology Insights Project Final Report (below) for details.
Physiology Insights Final Report
This report provides an overview of the project including program activities and evaluation results.
Horizon Research, Inc.
Horizon Research, Inc. (HRI) is a private research firm located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina specializing in work related to science and mathematics education.