Evaluation of computing workshops at the Science Museum, London

Practice: Evaluation of computing workshops at the Science Museum, London

by Science Museum Group added on 19 Nov 2020

Organization name: (that conducted the case study)	Science Museum Group
Title: (name of the case study)	Evaluation of computing workshops at the Science Museum, London
Dates:	Start date: 01 Mar 2020 End date: 30 Jun 2020
Brief description:	This case study is looking into the CoderDojo workshops at the Science Museum to identify opportunities and limitations of science learning, the role of mentors in museum-based informal coding sessions and their perceptions, as well as the families’ response to the workshops. Data for this case study was processed using qualitative analysis and collected using a mixture of methods. The primary source of data was interviews with eight mentors (facilitators) and five families that participated in the workshops. Data from workshop observations were limited and informal discussions with museum coordinators of the workshops helped for further insight. This was because the case study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and was conducted mainly remotely due to the closure of the museum and the general lockdown. Findings showed that workshops created a positive environment that enabled children to shape the nature of their participation and follow their interests but also share their knowledge, progress, and results. Workshops allowed children to extend their experience at home or anywhere they wished by accessing activities online and see coding as a hobby. The current role of mentors was seen as tasked focused and didn’t allow children to empathise with them. We note that their role could be enhanced by sharing their wider identities as programmers to strengthen their connection with children and further their science engagement.
Objectives:	• What are the learning opportunities and limitations of CoderDojo workshops? • What is the role of facilitators (mentors) in museum-based informal coding sessions? • What is the perception of the workshop from the mentor’s point of view? • What is the families’ perception of the workshops?
Photos:
Countries: (where the case study takes place)	United Kingdom
Cities: (where the case study takes place)	London
Participants	children: 11 parents: 9 researchers: 2
Participants’ age groups:	7 - 14
Type of location in which the case study took place:	Informal
Location(s): (where the case study took place)	Museum, science centre, outreach centre, library, zoo, etc.
Research instruments and tools used	Interviews Observation
Research instruments and tools used	Qualitative
File:	Case study report Science Museum Group.pdf

Case study report: