AMSTAT Consulting’s work on this NSF-funded project aligned with the research priorities in higher education by evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative educational tool, the Multimedia Fluid Mechanics CD-ROM, which was designed to enhance student learning in engineering. AMSTAT Consulting evaluated the tool’s ability to facilitate the teaching of complex fluid mechanics concepts, thus contributing to improved academic outcomes and promoting leadership development by fostering critical thinking and technical skills. By leveraging mixed-methods research, including surveys, focus groups, and quantitative analyses of learning outcomes, this project contributed to national service by advancing STEM education and preparing students for civic and professional engagement in technical fields. The evaluation also supported equity by assessing the tool’s accessibility and impact across diverse learner populations, including underrepresented groups in STEM.
Designing Culturally Competent Evaluation Tools for First-Generation and Low-to-Moderate-Income College Students
The project emphasized the development of culturally competent evaluation tools by incorporating inclusive methodologies that considered the unique needs and experiences of first-generation and low-to-moderate-income college students. AMSTAT Consulting employed a participatory evaluation framework, ensuring that these students’ voices were central to understanding the CD-ROM’s impact on their learning. Instruments such as focus groups and surveys were tailored to account for linguistic and cultural differences and access to technological resources, making the evaluation accessible and equitable. This approach ensured that the findings reflected diverse learner experiences and informed recommendations that enhanced the tool’s relevance and efficacy for historically marginalized populations.
Coordinating Public, Private, and Non-Profit Organizations or Serving as a Project Manager
The project involved collaboration among stakeholders from public institutions, private organizations, and educational non-profits, requiring seamless coordination and project management. AMSTAT Consulting oversaw the timeline, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with stakeholder goals. Regular progress reports, stakeholder meetings, and transparent communication fostered trust and ensured that the project stayed on track. By synthesizing insights from diverse organizational perspectives, AMSTAT Consulting provided an evaluation that captured the multifaceted dimensions of educational technology and its implementation in higher education contexts, thus bridging the gaps between academic research, practical applications, and institutional priorities.
Communicating Research Findings and Recommendations to Multiple Audiences
The dissemination of findings was tailored to various audiences, including academic faculty, educational administrators, policymakers, and software developers. AMSTAT Consulting delivered technical reports and presentations to convey detailed analyses for educators and researchers, while executive summaries and infographics provided accessible insights for non-technical stakeholders. Recommendations were framed in actionable terms, addressing potential improvements in content design, accessibility, and implementation strategies. By ensuring that the findings were accessible, relevant, and actionable, this project fostered meaningful improvements in the CD-ROM’s deployment. Additionally, its impact on student learning outcomes across diverse educational settings was enhanced.