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Social learning within a community of practice: Investigating interactions about evaluation among zoo education professionals

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  • Khalil, Kathayoon
  • Ardoin, Nicole M.
  • Wojcik, Deborah

Abstract

The accessibility and ubiquity of zoos and aquariums—which reach over 700 million people worldwide annually—make them critical sites for science and environmental learning. Through educational offerings, these sites can generate excitement and curiosity about nature and motivate stewardship behavior, but only if their programs are high quality and meet the needs of their audiences. Evaluation is, therefore, critical: knowing what works, for whom, and under what conditions must be central to these organizations. Yet, many zoo and aquarium educators find evaluation to be daunting, and they are challenged to implement evaluations and/or use the findings iteratively in program development and improvement. This article examines how zoo education professionals engage with one another in a learning community related to evaluation. We use a communities of practice lens and social network analysis to understand the structure of this networked learning community, considering changes over time. Our findings suggest that individuals’ roles in a networked learning community are influenced by factors such as communicative convenience and one’s perceptions of others’ evaluation expertise, which also contribute to forming and sustaining professional relationships. This study illuminates how project-based professional networks can become communities of practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Khalil, Kathayoon & Ardoin, Nicole M. & Wojcik, Deborah, 2017. "Social learning within a community of practice: Investigating interactions about evaluation among zoo education professionals," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 45-54.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:61:y:2017:i:c:p:45-54
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.12.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen D. Pryke, 2004. "Analysing construction project coalitions: exploring the application of social network analysis," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(8), pages 787-797, October.
    2. Carleton-Hug, Annelise & Hug, J. William, 2010. "Challenges and opportunities for evaluating environmental education programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 159-164, May.
    3. Mark Thompson, 2005. "Structural and Epistemic Parameters in Communities of Practice," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(2), pages 151-164, April.
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    1. Mellish, Sarah & Ryan, Jillian C. & McLeod, Emily M. & Tuckey, Michelle R. & Pearson, Elissa L., 2021. "Challenges and successes to the implementation of a zoo conservation-education program," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).

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