This research seeks to understand factors that influence students (K-16) and teachers' knowledge, attitudes toward, and practices around STEM+CS education. We use a variety of qualitative (e.g., interviews, classroom observations) and quantitative data (e.g., surveys) collection and analysis approaches to conduct our work.
You will be working on several projects related to K-16 STEM education. The goals of these projects are to design, implement, and evaluate professional development, specifically the impacts of professional development on teachers' and students' STEM/CS content knowledge, teachers' attitudes toward STEM/CS instruction, and students' attitudes toward STEM/CS. The projects are mixed-methods and use quantitative and qualitative data sources including teacher and student surveys of knowledge, confidence, and interest, classroom observations, and teacher interviews. The results of these projects will advance our understanding of how to best support K-16 STEM+CS instruction.
There are no required skills beyond an interest in STEM education and a willingness to learn - We will teach you what you need to know!
After working on these projects, it is my hope you will know:
1) the fundamentals of rigorous social science research, including the various methods social science researchers collect, analyze, and report outcome
2) assessment is essential to improving K-16 STEM+CS teaching and learning,
3) strategies that STEM educators can use to help teachers improve their teaching and student learning.
and that you will be able to:
1) support the collection and analysis of teacher and student data (surveys and interview responses, classroom observations)
2) review relevant educational literature
3) contribute to scholarly writing (e.g. sections of articles for journals, grant proposals, conference proposals).
4) collaborate to contribute in meaningful ways to our research team.