Collaborating Toward Convergence Efforts for K-20 STEM Education

Abstract

The paper examines the use of NSF's Collaborative Infrastructure and the Convergence Research approach for complex social innovation challenges used by the authors in their NSF INCLUDES project (#1744490). The paper clarified terminologies related to Convergence Research for multi-, co- inter- and trans-disciplinary. This paper defines and describe collaborative research at each of these interfaces. Then it discussed key factors for engaging in collaborative partnerships as individuals, with teams, and as organizations. Then, it presented concepts tied to individual factors for engagement with the attitude, investment, motivation, and scenario analysis method. Next, by drawing on business and management research, the Availability, Interest, and Knowledge methodology provided a simple way to identify the alignment of the vision, mission, and theory of change by understanding the why, what, and how of your actions. Following this, the authors integrated the concepts of strategic planning and logic models with the Universal Model of Strategic Planning. The authors discuss the double diamond model to represent the complex web of partnerships and the framework developed for communication and collaboration amongst stakeholders. The result is the Collaborative Convergence Pyramid framework for negotiating understanding within a new common space being generated together. Finally, the work concluded with a discussion of the vital roles collaborative infrastructure and strategic planning played in facilitating the Convergence Research approach with a multi-stakeholder coalition.