Informal Science Educators’ Pedagogical Choices and Goals for Learners: The Case of Planetarium Professionals

Abstract

This study extends our understanding of the goals, beliefs, and pedagogical choices made by planetarium professionals. Interviews were conducted with planetarium professionals (N 1⁄4 36) to assess their goals for audiences and beliefs about the design of the learning environment. Classification of participants, according to a six-facet framework on effective learning environment design, suggests a range of perspectives on the design of the learning environment that primarily include learner-centered, motivationally-oriented, socioculturally- centered, and physically-oriented perspectives. Results also point to the importance of considering increased opportunities for professionalism in the field of planetarium education.