The Power of Explanation: Reframing STEM and Informal Learning

This multimedia MessageMemo is directed toward leaders and advocates to provide them with practical messages and tools for making the STEM education case, especially for out-of-school time STEM learning. The MessageMemo creates an evidentiary base to identify the most effective ways of communicating about STEM education. The strategies detailed here have been tested for their ability to improve and deepen public understanding about STEM learning in both informal and formal education contexts and increase support for key reforms in this domain. The memo summarizes an extensive body of empirical research that shows the power of a robust explanatory communication strategy in deepening public understanding about STEM in both informal and formal contexts. This research was conducted by the FrameWorks Institute and sponsored by the Noyce Foundation.