Conceptual Astronomy Knowledge among Amateur Astronomers

Autor/in	Berendsen, Margaret L.
Titel	Conceptual Astronomy Knowledge among Amateur Astronomers
Quelle	In: Astronomy Education Review, 4 (2005) 1, S.1-18 (18 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1539-1515
DOI	10.3847/AER2005001
Schlagwörter	Astronomy; Knowledge Level; Scientific Concepts; Recreational Activities; Clubs; Surveys; Outreach Programs; Educational Attainment; Science Education; Scores; Group Membership; Undergraduate Students + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Astronomie; Wissensbasis; Freizeitgestaltung; Club; Klub; Survey; Umfrage; Befragung; Jobcoaching; Bildungsabschluss; Bildungsgut; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Gruppenzugehörigkeit
Abstract	Amateur astronomers regularly serve as informal astronomy educators for their communities. This research inquires into the level of knowledge of basic astronomy concepts among amateur astronomers and examines factors related to amateur astronomy that affect that knowledge. Using the concept questions from the Astronomy Diagnostic Test Version 2, an online survey was developed as an assessment. In particular, astronomy club members with at least some college-level astronomy education score substantially higher on the assessment (mean score: 85) than do college undergraduates after taking their first astronomy course (mean score: 47). Astronomy club members scored up to 17% higher than unaffiliated amateurs, an indication that regular contact with like-minded hobbyists improves basic knowledge. Proportionally more astronomy club members report doing outreach than do unaffiliated amateurs (87% vs. 46%). It appears that those who are likely to be more knowledgeable are also those doing more outreach. (Contains 9 tables and 2 figures.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10