Regarding PhD studies and what is happening in science education.
 
There are currently two students here at the National Key Centre
for School Science and Mathematics Education involved in
PhDs researching the learning outcomes of visitors (either
the conscripted..being school students, or the free visitor
who choose to visit.
 
Much research and evaluation has occurred in science museums, science
education centres and interactive science centres.  Those currently
researching within this "swamp" do keep contact with other researchers
in the field of science education.  Only last week there were two
presentations on learning in science museums at the Australiasian
Science Education Research Association Annual Conference in Hobart.
 
I give notice that the National Association for Research in Science
Teaching (NARST) will hold its annual conference in San Francisco
next April and there will be a significant input from the world
of science museums and interactive science centres.  A evening
is planned at the Exploratorium and Dr Mike Gore from Questacon-The
National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra will be presenting
his Galileo Science Theatre.
 
I do see a an important role for PhDs in science education for those
professionals involved in science museums, interactive science centres and
science education centres.
 
 
 
Terry McClafferty
Doctoral student
National Key Centre for School Science and Mathematics Education
Curtin University of Technology
Perth, Western Australia
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