What does the education research project involve?
As PULSE@Parkes is an innovative project we wish to conduct educational research to determine the effectiveness of the project and the impact it may have on students and teachers. ATNF is collaborating with a Science Education research team from Charles Sturt University to investigate the educational value of the project for schools participating in the 2008 observing slots.
We will need signed consent from schools for their participation in the education research component. This includes the Principal, teachers and all students involved. When schools are identified and selected for an observing slot, we will provide consent forms for the relevant parties to sign. These are for ethics' purposes- we must obtain signed consent from participants before collecting data.
The educational research that underpins this project will involve you completing two questionnaires about the science you teach at school both before and during your involvement in the PULSE@Parkes Project. In addition, your students will be asked to complete two questionnaires about the science they experience at school both before and during their involvement in the PULSE@Parkes Project. We will also invite a sample of students and teachers to participate in a 25 minute interview about their experiences during the PULSE@Parkes Project.