0:00 Welcome, with Sarah Kirn and Jennifer Shirk
2:35 Dr. Stella Kafka introduces us to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and its members, and shares some of the most important practices that AAVSO uses to welcome and support new members.
21:37 Dr. Cliff Johnson shares the tools in place on the Zooniverse platform to help project leaders bring project volunteers up to speed. He also addresses the essential importance of testing training materials with representative volunteers.
38:23 Holli Kohl shares practices from GLOBE Observer and introduces the principles of Universal Design for Learning as a model with particular relevance to citizen science.

Speakers will share their insights on effective approaches to training and supporting volunteers in a variety of project types and settings (spoiler alert: no one strategy is right for all projects). Highlighted strategies will include leveraging volunteers prior knowledge; leveling up volunteers to more challenging tasks; and automated coaching or feedback tools. Session will also include an introduction to the principles of universal design for learning and their relevance in citizen science project design and materials.

Speakers: Dr. Stella Kafka, Executive Director, American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO); Dr. Cliff Johnson, Zooniverse Science Lead and NASA Liaison, Adler Planetarium and Northwestern University;  Holli Kohl, GLOBE Observer Lead, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This event was co-hosted by Jennifer Shirk, Director of the Citizen Science Association.

Access the Reflection Tool #3: Volunteer Training and Support here.