Who, Why, and How

Who is SAMPI? Science and Mathematics Program Improvement is part of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo We conduct evaluations for educational programs of various kinds, including K-16 schools, non-formal educators, and regional or statewide systems Mark Jenness is the director Cynthia Halderson is the senior research assistant Crystal Stein is the office coordinator Jack Christensen is the webinar coordinator

Our History with Project WET SAMPI conducted a national field test for first- generation Project WET activities with classroom teachers and non-school educators in 1994 Field reviews involved scientists, DNR, conservation and other environmental professionals All comments were summarized and reported to Project WET staff for revision of activities

Project WET writers feedback Writers will tell you: activities in the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide were much more effective as a result of field testers sharing their experiences and detailed suggestions for improvement

How Feedback Works SAMPI staff assign activities for review Activities will be sent to you as available Make plans for testing activities with your students Take notes of any questions or confusion during the field test While the experience is fresh, complete the appropriate Feedback Form

Accessing Feedback Forms Teachers complete an on-line Feedback Form at the address in their assignment Non-school educators can access their Feedback Form from the SAMPI website: Back-up forms and a copy of this presentation are also available at the SAMPI website above.

What Feedback is Requested The Feedback Form has six parts: Describe: activity, teacher, students, and setting How activity was used Clarity of activity layout Activity content Activity effectiveness Summarizing comments

Most Useful Information Rating items tell us whether various parts of an activity are working or not Your comments provide the most useful information Identify any part of the activity students found confusing Describe what you did to clarify Identify any part that students found difficult Describe what you did to provide missing information so students could continue

General Guidelines Read through all parts of the activity when planning Gather any instructional resources needed Conduct all parts of the activity with students Take notes on both planning and implementation, including any student difficulties Complete the Feedback Form while impressions are fresh in mind

How to Contact Us To see this presentation again, go to the SAMPI website: If you have difficulty with the online Classroom Teacher Feedback Form, contact Crystal Stein at Non-school educators should their Feedback Forms to Crystal Stein at

Benefits to Project WET Informed, professional feedback based on use of the activity with learners of various ages in a variety of settings to use for revision Suggestions for additional resources – technological, literary, informational Wider awareness across the country of new water- related educational activities

Benefits to You New activities to use with your student groups The opportunity for Project WET to acknowledge your contribution to an administrator or superordinate A free copy of the Generation 2 Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide Your name and organizational affiliation listed as field testers in the new Guide