Engaging Students Through Learner-Driven Questions: Arwen Hubbard at the OAE’s 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop
This is a talk given at the 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE, http//astro4edu.org).
Title: Engaging Students in Astronomy Through Learner-Driven Questions
Centering education around learner-driven questions empowers students and deepens their understanding of astronomy. By focusing on what students are curious about, educators can foster a sense of ownership in their learning, leading to greater engagement and independent exploration. In this presentation, I will share strategies from "Found in Space: A Science Podcast for Kids and Teens," which uses listener questions to spark curiosity and ownership in their learning. Participants will gain practical tips on integrating learner-driven questions into their teaching, creating a dynamic and engaging astronomy education experience.
About Arwen Hubbard:
Arwen Hubbard is a passionate space science educator, ecologist, curriculum designer, and author. She holds degrees in Resource Management and Agricultural Ecology, along with a Master of Science in Space Studies, specializing in Planetary Science. Currently pursuing a doctorate in STEM education, Arwen's mission is to ignite curiosity about the Universe. She teaches space science online to learners of all ages, serves as a NASA Solar System Ambassador, writes educational content, and hosts a podcast that makes complex astronomical topics accessible to all.
About the 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop:
The 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop took place: 12 - 15 November 2024. The Shaw-IAU workshops focus on astronomy education for primary and secondary school students and teacher training both in universities and in service. This year's workshop featured two special topics: an exploration of the first two years of the James Webb Space Telescope for the scientific topic, and the crucial aspect of evaluation in educational contexts as the non-scientific topic.
More details can be found on: https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/
Keep up to date with future Shaw-IAU Workshops and other opportunities at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education by joining our mailing list https://astro4edu.org/mailing-list/
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