Research that is likely to have broader impacts must reach targeted and more varied audiences. Panelists discuss new ways to disseminate findings to maximize influence.
(Moderator: Sharon Lynch)
This panel tackles “broadening impacts” by featuring studies with new ideas for outreach and dissemination. Dissemination to maximize impact can occur as a new study is launched, during data collection and early phases of interpretation, and when a project is complete and big-picture findings emerge with implications for policy and practice. This panel focuses on how their projects have created dissemination formats to increase the influence of their work for targeted audiences. Phillip Bell discusses the role of partnerships in dissemination through the co-design of practitioner learning resources and social media promotion. Julie Sarama talks about a user-friendly, state-of- the-art Learning and Teaching with Learning Trajectories (LT 2) tool that provides resources and activities for trainers and teachers that promote equity through understanding children’s thinking and learning. Sharon Lynch, who studies inclusive STEM high schools, discusses how the OSPrI (Opportunity Structures for Preparation and Inspiration) project uses short videos to introduce a new kind of school and to leverage research findings through the OSPrI website and social media. Barbara Means talks about how to work with policymakers and policy influencers to make research findings usable in their decision making. Wrapping up this session, Kumar Garg provides specific ideas about how to craft findings to capture the attention of Washington lawmakers and policymakers.