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Resource | The math and science engagement scale: Development, validation, and psychometric properties
There is an urgent need to develop appropriate instruments to measure student engagement in math and science for the fields of research and practice. The present study developed and validated student- and teacher-report survey measures of student engagement in math and science. The measures are built around a multidimensional perspective of engagement by using a bifactor modeling approach. The…
There is an urgent need to develop appropriate instruments to measure student engagement in math and science for the fields of research and practice. The present study developed and validated student- and teacher-report survey measures of student engagement in math and science. The measures are built around a multidimensional perspective of engagement by using a bifactor modeling approach. The…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Moving Beyond One-Size-All PD: A Model for Differentiating Professional Learning for Teachers
This paper describes a model for differentiating professional development to address teachers’ varied knowledge, experiences, and interests. Brodesky, A., Fagan, E., Tobey, C., & Hirsch, L. (2016). Moving Beyond One-Size-All PD: A Model for Differentiating Professional Learning for Teachers. NCSM Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, 17(1), 20-37.
This paper describes a model for differentiating professional development to address teachers’ varied knowledge, experiences, and interests. Brodesky, A., Fagan, E., Tobey, C., & Hirsch, L. (2016). Moving Beyond One-Size-All PD: A Model for Differentiating Professional Learning for Teachers. NCSM Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, 17(1), 20-37.
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Use of Automated Scoring and Feedback in Online Interactive Earth Science Tasks
In formative assessment, constructed response questions are typically used for scientific argumentation, but students seldom receive timely feedback while answering these questions. The development of natural language processing (NLP) techniques makes it possible for the researchers using an automated scoring engine to provide real-time feedback to students. As is true for any new technology, it…
In formative assessment, constructed response questions are typically used for scientific argumentation, but students seldom receive timely feedback while answering these questions. The development of natural language processing (NLP) techniques makes it possible for the researchers using an automated scoring engine to provide real-time feedback to students. As is true for any new technology, it…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Effects of Teacher Knowledge and Quality of Instruction on Linguistically Diverse Learners
The main goal of this project is to empirically estimate whether and which classroom factors contribute to mathematics gains of English Language Learners in Texas schools. The emphasis is on mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT), knowledge of students as English Language Learners, and the mathematical quality of instruction (MQI) in middle grade classrooms. First round of correlational…
The main goal of this project is to empirically estimate whether and which classroom factors contribute to mathematics gains of English Language Learners in Texas schools. The emphasis is on mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT), knowledge of students as English Language Learners, and the mathematical quality of instruction (MQI) in middle grade classrooms. First round of correlational…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Targeting Instruction with Formative Assessment Probes
This paper describes a strategic process for using formative assessment probes to gather and interpret evidence of student mathematics understandings and misconceptions and then targeting instruction to address identified needs. Fagan, E., Tobey, C., & Brodesky, A. (2016). Targeting Instruction with Formative Assessment Probes. Teaching Children Mathematics, 23(3), 146-157.
This paper describes a strategic process for using formative assessment probes to gather and interpret evidence of student mathematics understandings and misconceptions and then targeting instruction to address identified needs. Fagan, E., Tobey, C., & Brodesky, A. (2016). Targeting Instruction with Formative Assessment Probes. Teaching Children Mathematics, 23(3), 146-157.
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Challenges to Using the Regression Discontinuity Design in Educational Evaluations: Lessons from the Transition to Algebra Study
Interest in the regression discontinuity (RD) design as an alternative to randomized control trials (RCTs) has grown in recent years. There is little practical guidance, however, on conditions that would lead to a successful RD evaluation or the utility of studies with underpowered RD designs. This article describes the use of RD design to evaluate the impact of a supplemental algebra-readiness…
Interest in the regression discontinuity (RD) design as an alternative to randomized control trials (RCTs) has grown in recent years. There is little practical guidance, however, on conditions that would lead to a successful RD evaluation or the utility of studies with underpowered RD designs. This article describes the use of RD design to evaluate the impact of a supplemental algebra-readiness…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | STEM-focused high schools as a strategy for enhancing readiness for postsecondary STEM programs
The logic underlying inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs) posits that requiring all students to take advanced college preparatory STEM courses while providing student-centered, reform-oriented instruction, ample student supports, and real-world STEM experiences and role models will prepare and inspire students admitted on the basis of STEM interest rather than prior achievement for postsecondary…
The logic underlying inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs) posits that requiring all students to take advanced college preparatory STEM courses while providing student-centered, reform-oriented instruction, ample student supports, and real-world STEM experiences and role models will prepare and inspire students admitted on the basis of STEM interest rather than prior achievement for postsecondary…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Responding to children’s mathematical thinking in the moment: An emerging framework of teaching moves
This case study contributes to efforts to characterize teaching that is responsive to children’s mathematical thinking. We conceptualize responsive teaching as a type of teaching in which teachers’ instructional decisions about what to pursue and how to pursue it are continually adjusted during instruction in response to children’s content-specific thinking, instead of being determined in advance…
This case study contributes to efforts to characterize teaching that is responsive to children’s mathematical thinking. We conceptualize responsive teaching as a type of teaching in which teachers’ instructional decisions about what to pursue and how to pursue it are continually adjusted during instruction in response to children’s content-specific thinking, instead of being determined in advance…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Towards teleoperation-based interactive learning of robot kinematics using a mobile augmented reality interface on a tablet
The integration of augmented reality (AR) techniques in user interface design has enhanced interactive experiences in teleoperation of robots, hands-on learning in classrooms, laboratory, and special education, and user training in an array of fields, e.g., aerospace, automotive, construction, manufacturing, medical, etc. However, AR-based user interfaces that command machines and tools have not…
The integration of augmented reality (AR) techniques in user interface design has enhanced interactive experiences in teleoperation of robots, hands-on learning in classrooms, laboratory, and special education, and user training in an array of fields, e.g., aerospace, automotive, construction, manufacturing, medical, etc. However, AR-based user interfaces that command machines and tools have not…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Interactive mobile interface with augmented reality for learning digital control concepts
The use of augmented reality (AR) and mobile applications has recently been investigated in the teaching of advanced concepts and training of skills in a variety of fields. By developing educational mobile applications that incorporate augmented reality, unique interactive learning experiences can be provided to learners on their personal smartphones and tablet computers. This paper presents the…
The use of augmented reality (AR) and mobile applications has recently been investigated in the teaching of advanced concepts and training of skills in a variety of fields. By developing educational mobile applications that incorporate augmented reality, unique interactive learning experiences can be provided to learners on their personal smartphones and tablet computers. This paper presents the…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Students making systems models: An accessible approach
Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems…
Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Students making systems models: An accessible approach
Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems…
Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems…
Posted: Thursday, February 09
Resource | Practice What You Teach: A Video-Based Practicum Model of Professional Development for Elementary Science Teachers
This study examines an innovative professional development program that provides teachers with an opportunity to practice pedagogical strategies in a low stakes classroom context. Elementary teachers participated in a one-week summer Institute and two-week Practicum focused on learning strategies for facilitating scientific discourse and argumentation in their classrooms. During the Practicum,…
This study examines an innovative professional development program that provides teachers with an opportunity to practice pedagogical strategies in a low stakes classroom context. Elementary teachers participated in a one-week summer Institute and two-week Practicum focused on learning strategies for facilitating scientific discourse and argumentation in their classrooms. During the Practicum,…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Developing coherent conceptual storylines: Two elementary challenges
The ‘conceptual storyline’ of a lesson refers to the flow and sequencing of learning activities such that science concepts align and progress in ways that are instructionally meaningful to student learning of the concepts. Research demonstrates that when teachers apply lesson design strategies to create a coherent science content storyline, student learning is positively impacted (Roth et al.,…
The ‘conceptual storyline’ of a lesson refers to the flow and sequencing of learning activities such that science concepts align and progress in ways that are instructionally meaningful to student learning of the concepts. Research demonstrates that when teachers apply lesson design strategies to create a coherent science content storyline, student learning is positively impacted (Roth et al.,…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | School Resources in Teaching Science to Diverse Student Groups: An Intervention’s Effect on Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions
Elementary school teachers’ perceptions of school resources (i.e., material, human, and social) for teaching science to diverse student groups were examined across three school districts from one state. As part of a 3-year curricular and professional development intervention, we examined the effect on teachers’ perceptions after their first year of participation. The study involved 103 fifth-…
Elementary school teachers’ perceptions of school resources (i.e., material, human, and social) for teaching science to diverse student groups were examined across three school districts from one state. As part of a 3-year curricular and professional development intervention, we examined the effect on teachers’ perceptions after their first year of participation. The study involved 103 fifth-…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Elementary teachers’ science knowledge and instructional practices: Impact of an intervention focused on English language learners
As part of a three-year curricular and professional development intervention focused on English language learners (ELLs), this study examined the intervention's effect on teachers' science knowledge and instructional practices after one year of implementation. The P-SELL (Promoting Science Among English Language Learners) intervention comprised curriculum materials for students and teachers and…
As part of a three-year curricular and professional development intervention focused on English language learners (ELLs), this study examined the intervention's effect on teachers' science knowledge and instructional practices after one year of implementation. The P-SELL (Promoting Science Among English Language Learners) intervention comprised curriculum materials for students and teachers and…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Impact of a large-scale science intervention focused on English language learners
The authors evaluated the effects of P-SELL, a science curricular and professional development intervention for fifth-grade students with a focus on English language learners (ELLs). Using a randomized controlled trial design with 33 treatment and 33 control schools across three school districts in one state, we found significant and meaningfully sized intervention effects on a researcher-…
The authors evaluated the effects of P-SELL, a science curricular and professional development intervention for fifth-grade students with a focus on English language learners (ELLs). Using a randomized controlled trial design with 33 treatment and 33 control schools across three school districts in one state, we found significant and meaningfully sized intervention effects on a researcher-…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Learning with Sprout Pro: Reimagine what you can make
Sprout Pro was developed as a new kind of all-in-one computer that enables students to make, design, and customize the world around them. This Sprout Pro in a classroom handbook is designed to give you a starting point for integrating Sprout Pro into your learning environment and igniting your students’ creativity. Through this handbook you will learn how Sprout Pro can enhance educational…
Sprout Pro was developed as a new kind of all-in-one computer that enables students to make, design, and customize the world around them. This Sprout Pro in a classroom handbook is designed to give you a starting point for integrating Sprout Pro into your learning environment and igniting your students’ creativity. Through this handbook you will learn how Sprout Pro can enhance educational…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Can All Students Succeed at Science and Tech High Schools?
No longer only for the elite, a new generation of science high schools could help low-income and minority students get better jobs. Lucadamo, K. (2016, September 6). Can All Students Succeed at Science and Tec High Schools? U.S News Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-26/can-all-students-succeed….
No longer only for the elite, a new generation of science high schools could help low-income and minority students get better jobs. Lucadamo, K. (2016, September 6). Can All Students Succeed at Science and Tec High Schools? U.S News Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-26/can-all-students-succeed….
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Supporting improvements in the quality of mathematics teaching on a large scale
Research on the teaching and learning of mathematics has made significant progress in recent years. However, this work has had only limited impact on classroom instruction in many countries. We report on an eight-year project in which we partnered with several large urban school districts in the U.S. that were attempting to support mathematics teachers’ development of ambitious, inquiry-oriented…
Research on the teaching and learning of mathematics has made significant progress in recent years. However, this work has had only limited impact on classroom instruction in many countries. We report on an eight-year project in which we partnered with several large urban school districts in the U.S. that were attempting to support mathematics teachers’ development of ambitious, inquiry-oriented…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Stable Beginnings in Engineering Design
Novel Engineering activities are premised on the integration of engineering and literacy: students identify and engineer solutions to problems that arise for fictional characters in stories they read for class. There are advantages to this integration, for both engineering and literacy goals of instruction: the stories provide ‘‘clients’’ to support students’ engagement in engineering, and…
Novel Engineering activities are premised on the integration of engineering and literacy: students identify and engineer solutions to problems that arise for fictional characters in stories they read for class. There are advantages to this integration, for both engineering and literacy goals of instruction: the stories provide ‘‘clients’’ to support students’ engagement in engineering, and…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Tool trouble: Challenges with Using Self-Report Data to Evaluate Long-Term Chemistry Teacher Professional Development
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs. We compared the ability of three self-report instruments (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form A [STEBI], Teaching of Science as Inquiry…
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs. We compared the ability of three self-report instruments (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form A [STEBI], Teaching of Science as Inquiry…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Connecting the visible world with the invisible
Numerous research studies have illustrated the importance of connecting the visible (macroscopic) world of chemical phenomena to the invisible (particulate) world of atoms and molecules for conceptual understanding in chemistry (Birk & Yezierski, 2006; Gabel, Samuel, & Hunn, 1987; Johnstone, 1993; Nakhleh, 1992). This skill fits particularly well into the Next Generation Science Standards…
Numerous research studies have illustrated the importance of connecting the visible (macroscopic) world of chemical phenomena to the invisible (particulate) world of atoms and molecules for conceptual understanding in chemistry (Birk & Yezierski, 2006; Gabel, Samuel, & Hunn, 1987; Johnstone, 1993; Nakhleh, 1992). This skill fits particularly well into the Next Generation Science Standards…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Food and energy for all: Turning a demonstration into an inquiry activity
When asked what plants need for photosynthesis, many students can correctly recall the reaction equation and state that plants require CO2, H2O, and light. Many students, however, do not understand that these reactants are the raw materials plants use to make sugars and instead believe that they are food for plants. Moreover, when questioned further, students often voice the idea that plants get…
When asked what plants need for photosynthesis, many students can correctly recall the reaction equation and state that plants require CO2, H2O, and light. Many students, however, do not understand that these reactants are the raw materials plants use to make sugars and instead believe that they are food for plants. Moreover, when questioned further, students often voice the idea that plants get…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | No teacher is an island: Bridging the gap between teacher’s professional practice and research findings
Despite decades of research regarding best practices for the teaching and learning of chemistry, as well as two sets of national reform documents for science education, classroom instruction in high school chemistry classrooms remains largely unchanged. One key reason for this continued gap between research and practice is a reliance on traditional, prescriptive professional development (PD) in…
Despite decades of research regarding best practices for the teaching and learning of chemistry, as well as two sets of national reform documents for science education, classroom instruction in high school chemistry classrooms remains largely unchanged. One key reason for this continued gap between research and practice is a reliance on traditional, prescriptive professional development (PD) in…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Kinematics card sort activity: Insight into students’ thinking for students and teacher
Kinematics is a topic students are unknowingly aware of well before entering the physics classroom. Students observe motion on a daily basis. They are constantly interpreting and making sense of their observations, unintentionally building their own understanding of kinematics before receiving any formal instruction. Unfortunately, when students take their prior conceptions to understand a new…
Kinematics is a topic students are unknowingly aware of well before entering the physics classroom. Students observe motion on a daily basis. They are constantly interpreting and making sense of their observations, unintentionally building their own understanding of kinematics before receiving any formal instruction. Unfortunately, when students take their prior conceptions to understand a new…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Tool trouble: Challenges with using self-report data to evaluate long-term chemistry teacher professional development
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs. We compared the ability of three self-report instruments (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form A [STEBI], Teaching of Science as Inquiry…
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs. We compared the ability of three self-report instruments (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument Form A [STEBI], Teaching of Science as Inquiry…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Using students' conceptions of air to evaluate a guided-inquiry activity classifying matter using particulate models
This paper describes a guided-inquiry activity designed for the first week of a first-year high school chemistry course. Students manipulated magnetic models of atoms in depicting air and learned to connect the three domains of chemistry: macroscopic, symbolic, and particulate. The purpose of the activity was 2-fold: to remediate misconceptions of foundational chemical concepts such as atoms,…
This paper describes a guided-inquiry activity designed for the first week of a first-year high school chemistry course. Students manipulated magnetic models of atoms in depicting air and learned to connect the three domains of chemistry: macroscopic, symbolic, and particulate. The purpose of the activity was 2-fold: to remediate misconceptions of foundational chemical concepts such as atoms,…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | Elementary Mathematics Specialists in “Departmentalized” Teaching Assignments: Affordances and Constraints
In this article, we describe the experiences of three Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMS) who were part of a larger project investigating the impact of EMS certification and assignment (self-contained or “departmentalized”) on teaching practices and student achievement outcomes. All three of the teachers were “departmentalized,” in the sense that each was responsible for teaching mathematics…
In this article, we describe the experiences of three Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMS) who were part of a larger project investigating the impact of EMS certification and assignment (self-contained or “departmentalized”) on teaching practices and student achievement outcomes. All three of the teachers were “departmentalized,” in the sense that each was responsible for teaching mathematics…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08
Resource | STEM starts early: Grounding science, technology, engineering, and math education in early childhood
Researchers and educators agree: Children demonstrate a clear readiness to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning early in life. And, just as with language and literacy, STEM education should start early in order to maximize its benefits and effectiveness. So why is STEM not woven more seamlessly into early childhood education? What can we do – in the classroom, in…
Researchers and educators agree: Children demonstrate a clear readiness to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning early in life. And, just as with language and literacy, STEM education should start early in order to maximize its benefits and effectiveness. So why is STEM not woven more seamlessly into early childhood education? What can we do – in the classroom, in…
Posted: Wednesday, February 08