This paper examines barriers to research on university continuing education (UCE) in terms of two groups of factors: those that inhibit adult education research generally, and those that are specific to the UCE context and adversely affect research activity in this setting. Within UCE, the mandate, culture, qualifications of staff, the nature of work, and the nature of research that is conducted make traditional approaches to research problematic. The paper suggests that acceptance of a broader conceptualization of research by university continuing educators could enhance research related to practice.
The U. S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has an energetic science education program and outreach effort. This overview describes the components of the programs and evaluates the changes that have occurred in this effort during the last several years. Efforts have been expanded to reach more students, as well as the public in general. The primary goal is to inform the public regarding the fusion and plasma research at PPPL and to excite students so that they can appreciate science and technology. A student's interest in science can be raised by tours, summer research experiences, in-classroom presentations, plasma expos, teacher workshops and web-based materials. The ultimate result of this effort is a betterinformed public, as well as an increase in the number of women and minorities who choose science as a vocation. Measuring the results is difficult, but current metrics are reviewed. The science education and outreach programs are supported by a dedicated core group of individuals and supplemented by other members of the PPPL staff and consultants who perform various outreach and educational activities.
IntroductionSince the declassification of controlled fusion research in 1958, public communications efforts have been an important part of Princeton's fusion program. In 1982, in anticipation of the startup of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor, a formal PPPL outreach program was initiated. The current goals of the program are:• To increase public understanding about PPPL's work, the progress that has been made in the development of fusion energy, and the Laboratory's plans for the future.• To address community concerns about any environmental and safety aspects of PPPL's operations.• To establish close communications with state, county, and local government units and community services.
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