Kristina Kopychynski

Astronomy Education Researcher | Improving Astronomy Access in Regional Schools

About Me

Hello! I am Kristina, a researcher in astronomy education with a focus on bridging the educational gap between metropolitan and regional/remote Australian schools. My work explores how tailored teaching resources and participatory research methods can make astronomy more accessible and engaging for students in distant communities.

Research Proposal Summary

Overview

Regional and remote Australian schools face significant gaps in astronomy education programs and resources. Traditional models often create resources before consulting educators, which can lead to limited engagement. My research proposes a feedback-first methodology, where teachers and students guide the development of astronomy resources, ensuring they are relevant and effective.

Research Aims & Questions

Methodology

The study uses a convergent parallel mixed methods design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches:

Timeline

Phase 1: Identifying Barriers & Enablers

Conduct teacher surveys and interviews to explore factors influencing astronomy teaching in secondary schools.

Phase 2: Resource Development

Create astronomy teaching resources guided by teacher recommendations.

Phase 2: Classroom Trials

Evaluate resources through classroom observations, student surveys, and teacher feedback.

Analysis & Reporting

Analyze data (SPSS + qualitative methods) and publish findings to support improved astronomy education.

Publications

Publications are currently in progress as part of my doctoral research. Please check back soon for updates.