Resources
Discover more ways to support your professional learning goals.
This curated collection includes a sampling of articles, online courses, professional organizations, and other tools that ISL professionals from a wide range of roles and settings have found useful.
While exploring these resources, it may be helpful to focus on specific competencies you want to develop (see Framework and Self-Assessment), your own personal learning goals (see Learning Plan), and/or broader strategies for professional learning. The Key Terms page can offer additional insight into Pathways language.
Framework for Evaluating Impacts of Informal Science Education Projects: Report from a National Science Foundation Workshop
Book introduces a framework for evaluating the impacts of informal science education projects. Provides advice regarding evaluation techniques for different types of informal STEM education efforts, including references to case studies and tools. Open access/free download.
Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments
Book discusses and applies the findings of the report, “Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits,” from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Open access/free download.
How to Run a Book Club Discussion That Everyone Will Love
Blog discusses how to organize, structure, and facilitate effective and meaningful book clubs. Useful information whether the book club is focused on informal STEM learning-related issues or not.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection
Article discusses the habit of self-reflection and shares research-identified characteristics of successful reflection practice. Open access/free download.
Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation
Online platform provides free online courses and certifications for changemakers worldwide to build skills for starting or leading nonprofit organizations. Offers comprehensive training in organizational development and leadership.
Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley
Institute provides a strategic framework to build a world of belonging that is based on inclusion, fairness, justice, and care. Provides research, advocacy resources, and professional development opportunities.
Portal to the Public
Program connects research scientists with informal learning professionals to enhance public engagement with current scientific research. Provides training and free resources about scientist-educator partnerships.
National Emerging Museum Professionals (NEMP)
Professional organization created by and for emerging museum professionals to advocate for ethical museum work and build supportive communities of practice. Offers local chapters, book clubs, and advocacy initiatives at no cost.
NISE (National Informal STEM Education) Network
National network provides research-based resources and professional development in informal learning environments with a focus on space sciences. Offers free activity toolkits, professional development, and community networks.
Museum and Informal Education (MIE) Alliance
NASA program provides free membership access to educational resources, curriculum, professional development, and networking platforms. Includes direct access to NASA experts and live teleconferences.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Award No. 2215274. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF.