Mathematics

Our primary goal in this project was to further develop, refine, and evaluate a research-based STEM learning tool (i.e., block play) that tests theories of mathematical learning. Specifically, we tested the impact of different types of block play (free play, semi-structured) on early mathematics and are working towards identifying potential mechanisms (e.g., mathematical language, executive function) underlying these relations.

The need for mathematical modeling is vital in answering critical questions like disease spread and climate change, but beginners lack the necessary skills to plan, organize, and execute such tasks. Also, current tools are insufficient for optimal learning. To address these issues, we're developing a web-based technology (M2Studio) and a 10.5-hour curriculum to introduce students to mathematical modeling using dynamically linked representations. This three-year project aims to enhance students' modeling skills and understanding.

The major goals of the project are to develop and implement an innovative fully online video-based model for professional learning of mathematics coaches in rural districts who may lack access to such opportunities.
 Our professional model has three components: (a) an online course on content-focused coaching, (b) one-on-one video-based coaching cycles, and (c) an online video coaching club. Mentor Coaches (project personnel with expertise in coaching) support Coach Participants and are themselves supported by a Lead Mentor Coach.

The project aims to understand how engagement in learning mathematics is enhanced by a digital collaborative platform with an embedded problem-based curriculum and a digital mathematics notebook. We investigate how engagement and learning is affected over a year-long seventh grade course. Using digital notebooks, platform analytics, and classroom artifacts, we report on a set of initial design characteristics for digital platforms that support student collaboration in learning mathematics.

The purpose of the Animated Contrasting Cases in Geometry (ACinG) research is two-fold: To design animated mathematics curricular materials for geometry that focus on directly comparing different approaches to solving the same geometry problem, and to examine the effects of these materials on student learning of geometry.

Socioscientific Issues (SSI) are ill-defined problems and debatable issues that can enhance student learning of scientific knowledge and literacy skills (Zeidler et al., 2005). However, most teachers are unfamiliar with planning and implementation of SSI (Macalalag et. al, 2019). Our project aimed to support the development of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge through planning and implementation of SSI lessons in their classrooms.

The purpose of this project is to gather, analyze, and synthesize research studies that have investigated different approaches to supporting students in grades 6-14 in learning to analyze, interpret, and reason about data with a focus on variation and covariation. We will use Robust Variance Estimation (RVE) to examine how effect size estimates depend on intervention characteristics, study design, outcomes of interest, and demographic characteristics of participants in the studies.

This project aims to support teachers to engage their students in mathematical problem posing (problem-posing-based learning, or P-PBL). P-PBL is a powerful approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics, and provides students with opportunities to engage in authentic mathematical practices.

This poster will present one school's partnership work as part of our larger project. As a key lever to lead towards racially just, ambitious mathematics, the leadership team is focused on acknowledging, valuing, and incorporating students and families' funds of knowledge in mathematics into everyday classroom teaching and learning. The poster will describe the multiple pathways they are working to do this, successes, and challenges.

Indigenous students experience persistent inequitable outcomes in schools, particularly in STEM. Since teacher quality is one of the most important school-based factors impacting K12 students’ learning and engagement in schools, our project provides long-term professional development to teachers in rural, Indigenous-serving schools to support teachers’ development of culturally responsive STEM curriculum units. We provide an overview of our professional development model, and share findings from our work with over 100 teachers during four program years.