HR: 0800h
AN: ED41B-0254    [Abstracts]
TI: From Research Scientist to Public Outreach: A Personal Journey
AU: * Stewart, R
EM: stewart@ocean.tamu.edu
AF: Texas A&M University, Oceanography Department, College Station, TX 77843-3146 United States
AB: Over the past six years I have made the transition from research oceanographer to an educator and public outreach specialist. The transition has been rewarding but difficult. On the way I had to learn the vocabulary and concepts of education (e.g. authentic assessment), effective web-page styles, and the difference between science and education--they are very different. I also met many enthusiastic and caring teachers who greatly eased my transition to educator. Some lessons learned. First, partner with experts. Successful outreach is a team effort. I was luck to have the opportunity to work closely with a great professor of education, Robert James, a wonderful middle-school teacher and Presidential Awardee, Margaret Hammer, and talented students, Jon Reisch and Don Johnson, from our School of ArchitectureAŸA›A›ƒ_sAªA›ƒ_zA›s Visualization Laboratory, who combined art and technology. Second, if you are a scientist, realize that scientists are too critical. We look for the one right answer, and for the flaws in data and theory. Educators look for the many ways to present ideas, all equally valid, and they value the worth of all students. AŸA›A›ƒ_sAªA.ƒ_oSo radical are the differences between the worlds of science and human affairs that their demands are sometimes in conflict.AŸA›A›ƒ_sAªA_A¨A«-Philander: Our Affair With El Nino, p.5. Second, the web is a very efficient way of reaching many people. Thus, web skills are essential. Third, I am learning to be humble. There is much I need to learn. The skills necessary to be a successful research scientist are not sufficient for being a successful educator. Fourth, assess, assess, and assess. DonAŸA›A›ƒ_sAªA›ƒ_zA›t assume that what you create serves its purpose. Get feedback from educators, students, and scientists of all levels of experience.
UR: http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/index.html
DE: 6600 PUBLIC ISSUES
DE: 6605 Education
DE: 6630 Workforce
DE: 6699 General or miscellaneous
SC: Education and Human Resourcese [ED]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting