Using Activity Theory to Evaluate and Improve K-12 School and University Partnerships

Autor/inn/en	Yamagata-Lynch, Lisa C.; Smaldino, Sharon
Titel	Using Activity Theory to Evaluate and Improve K-12 School and University Partnerships
Quelle	In: Evaluation and Program Planning, 30 (2007) 4, S.364-380 (17 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0149-7189
DOI	10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2007.08.003
Schlagwörter	Systems Analysis; Elementary Secondary Education; College School Cooperation; Researchers; Partnerships in Education; Higher Education + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? System analysis; Systemanalyse; Researcher; Forscher; Hochschulpartnerschaft; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen
Abstract	This article reports on an evaluation methodology development study for K-12 school and university partnerships. The method is based on Engestrom's (1987). "Learning by expanding: An activity-theoretical approach to developmental research". Helsinki: Orienta-Konsultit Oy activity systems analysis that allows researchers to examine qualitative datasets of complex human interactions. This study was designed for participants to evaluate partnership relations and activities. We investigated how the use of activity systems analysis in K-12 school and university partnership evaluation meetings affected participant communication processes. In this study, during a 1-day retreat K-12 school staff and university staff used a modified activity systems model to identify persisting institutional tensions in their program that often trigger miscommunications and strain their relations. During the discussion sessions, study participants collaboratively examined their partnership relations and identified strategies for overcoming difficulties. Additionally, in subsequent monthly partnership meetings during the school year, participants examined findings from the evaluation to design and implement improvement strategies. The results from this methodology development and implementation study provided researchers and partnership participants a new means to (a) evaluate partnership activities, (b) identify institutional barriers, (c) plan future activities, and (d) listen to and incorporate the ideas of less vocal staff members into the planning of future activities. (Contains 10 figures and 1 table.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10