Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

An Exploratory Approach For Teaching Systems Of Linear Odes With Real Repeated Eigenvalues, Biyong Luo, Li Zhang

CODEE Journal

In this paper, we present a project that aims to pique students' interest and facilitate their engagement in learning. Students will be encouraged to take an active role in their learning of systems of linear ODEs with real repeated Eigenvalues. Through discussion and completion of a set of guided questions given in the project, students will gain a deeper understanding of the topic. Also, students will use the technology tool Bluffton App to draw solution trajectories in a phase plane, and then learn necessary skills for explaining the movements of the trajectories and their long term behaviors. This project may …

Multi-Actor Roles In Basic Education Provision For Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Children In Sabah And Sarawak, Neneng Heryati, Chandra Wijaya, Lina Jannah

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study examines the governance of basic education access for Indonesian Migrant Workers’ children in Sabah and Sarawak by focusing on the roles of multi-actors involved in service provision. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and document analysis, the study finds that the operation of Community Learning Centers is highly dependent on the interaction between the Malaysian government as the licensing authority, plantation companies as facility providers and funders, and the Indonesian government through Atdikbud, KJRI/KRI, and SIKK as facilitators of educational diplomacy and the roles of PMI communities. Non-governmental organizations such as Humana Child Aid Society also enhance …

Keeping It Real: Hip-Hop Based Education In A Mathematics Classroom, Michelle J. Cook, Elizabeth M. Hughes, Jonte C. Taylor

Journal of the Arts and Special Education

Hip-Hop based education (HHBE) infuses elements of Hip-Hop culture into teaching and learning. Growing research shows that HHBE engages students, validates students’ identities and lived experiences, and supports academic success. In this article we share how HHBE can be used in mathematics with a focus on teaching word problem solving strategies. Using vignettes and real-life examples, we illustrate how creative elements of Hip-Hop (i.e., breakdancing, graffiti art, DJing, MCing, knowledge of self) naturally enhance mathematics and word-problem solving instruction. Educators can sample/adapt strategies shared to create HHBE lessons to meet the interests of their students with disabilities. We hope that …

Inclusive Stem Education In Nigerian Schools:An Emerging Pathway For Substainable Development, Oginni Aderonke Margaret Dr., Awobodu Victoria Yetunde Dr., Olusegun Bisola Esther Miss

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Inclusive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education plays a vital role in promoting equitable learning opportunities and fostering sustainable development. However, in Nigeria, many marginalized student groups face barriers that hinder their full participation in STEM fields. This study examines the factors impeding inclusivity in STEM education and their effects on students’ motivation, academic performance, and awareness of sustainable development in Lagos State. Employing a survey research design, data were gathered from 550 students selected through simple random sampling across 21 secondary schools in Education Districts I, III, and V. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used for data collection. To …

Analysis Of Solutions To Research Methods: Navigating The Infinite Content Of Mathematics, Jesus Navarro

Student Scholar Symposium

In the infinite realm of mathematical research, understanding and communicating complex concepts require structured and logical approaches. However, a variety of research methods are employed in mathematical studies; these may differ in approach, historical context, and other important considerations which can contribute to confusion and a lack of effective communication. The genesis of this research began with personal confusion during my research on "Counting the Uncountable: Life in a World Without Numbers", setting the stage for the central challenge: How do mathematicians explain their research? To answer this issue, we analyzed a variety of mathematical research articles to highlight their …

Fermented Foul Play: A Real-World Forensic Scenario To Enhance Student Engagement And Understanding Of Instrumentation And Analytical Data Analysis, Abigail Hoermann, Laci Joy Walmer, Matthew J. Goss

Student Scholar Symposium

A forensic-style investigation was introduced in an upper-level instrumental analysis course to foster collaboration and application of theoretical concepts in a laboratory setting. Students were provided with kombucha samples collected from a simulated crime scene and tasked with determining ethanol concentrations using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). By independently preparing serial dilutions, establishing calibration curves, and interpreting mass spectra, they practiced quantitative analytical techniques and engaged in evidence-based problem solving. Notably, Sample C demonstrated elevated ethanol levels (6.4% v/v), suggesting possible adulteration and deepening the forensic narrative. Through this scenario-driven format, students strengthened both their technical competencies and their ability to …

Object Tracking Based On Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization, Rajesh Misra, Kumar Ray

Journal of Global Awareness

In Computer Vision domain, moving Object Tracking is considered as one of the toughest problems. As there are so many factors associated like illumination of light, noise, occlusion, sudden start and stop of moving object, shading which makes tracking even harder problem not only for dynamic background but also for static background. In this paper we present a new object tracking algorithm based on Dominant points on tracked object using Quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) which is a new different version of PSO based on Quantum theory. The novelty in our approach is that it can be successfully applicable in …

Needs Analysis: Ar As An Innovative Learning Media Solution For Elementary School Students, Rosfaniarti Rosfaniarti, Makmum Raharjo, Meilinda Meilinda

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study aims to identify the need for the development of Augmented Reality (AR)-based learning media as an innovative solution in elementary school learning. The needs analysis method was conducted using a mixed methods approach through questionnaires and interviews with 103 students and 5 teachers. The data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively to obtain a comprehensive picture of instructional needs. The results showed that student needs were in the high category, with a percentage of 80.64%-85.30%. The socio-cultural aspect was the highest need (85.30%), followed by the pedagogical and technical aspects, while the cognitive aspect had the lowest value (80.64%). …

From Textbook To Classroom: Gaps In Mathematical Representation And Translation In Nepali Education, Deepak Basyal

Mathematics and Statistics

Translating real-world problem contexts into mathematical symbols is a key skill in curricula worldwide. This study examines Nepali students’ abilities to translate words into symbols and how Nepali textbooks from earlier grades support the development of these skills. To investigate this phenomenon, a sequential explanatory study was conducted with a test for 10th graders and an analysis of Grades 6—9 textbooks. Results show that students struggle to convert real-world contexts into mathematical symbols, while textbooks provide limited opportunities for practice. In particular, students have difficulty translating symbols back into real-world situations, suggesting a link between textbook opportunities and achievement. These …

The Effects Of Applying Self-Regulated Learning Prompts On Academic Achievement In A Public Middle-School Science Classroom, Andrew Barham

Doctoral Dissertations

Student success in science courses is a critical focus for K–12 educators, particularly during the transition period of middle-school, where students face increasing academic and social demands. Self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies have been shown to enhance academic outcomes by fostering independent learning and metacognitive awareness. However, research on the implementation and effectiveness of SRL interventions in middle school science classrooms, particularly within the constraints of public school settings, remains limited.

This study investigated the effects of an SRL intervention on the academic achievement of eighth-grade students during a six-week astronomy unit. Students from a public middle school in the San …

Education In The Planetarium: A Practical Approach, Matthew Fyfe

Honors Projects

This project proposes live planetarium programming built within the 5E instructional model. It creates a practical application of this with lesson modules surrounding topics in observational astronomy. Specifically, there are investigations into instrumentation through CCD cameras and data collection and processing through spectroscopy and photometry with light curve folding with activities highlighting each. Each module is broken down into segments corresponding to the learning cycles of the 5E model, and as they are self contained in this way can be used piecemeal in different combinations.

Sorting It Out, Liza Bondurant, Jane M. Wilburne, Dana Pomykal Franz, Jamaal Young

Publications

We describe a card sorting activity called a Q-sort that teachers can use to foster reflection and discussion.

Using Food As A Fun And Effective Teaching Tool In Preschool, Kelly Furr, Melani Duffrin, Eugene A. Geist

Spark! Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Research-to-Practice Journal for Educators

Food is one of the most engaging, hands-on materials for preschool classrooms. This article highlights research from the Food FAN Academy (Furr, 2023), which demonstrates how food can be used as a teaching tool across early childhood learning environments. Practical strategies are provided for preschool teachers, including detailed lesson plans that connect to early math, science, literacy, and social development. The article emphasizes the importance of using everyday materials, cultural inclusivity, and active learning methods to promote curiosity, health awareness, and foundational skills in young learners.

Social Development Dynamics Of Students In Inclusive Education In Indonesia, Nur Hidayat Nh

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This narrative review analyses the social development of students with special needs in Indonesian inclusive schools by synthesising five high-quality empirical studies (indexed SINTA 1–3) published between 2018 and 2023. Addressing three research questions, the synthesis reveals heterogeneous and generally limited social development trajectories shaped primarily by ecological interactions rather than inherent disability characteristics. Key barriers include symbolic inclusion, inadequate teacher training in multimodal strategies, low peer acceptance, and systemic resource deficits, whereas facilitators encompass contextualised multimodal communication, active family involvement, and supportive institutional leadership. Effective interventions depend on coordinated teacher–parent–peer triangulation, leveraging local sign language, structured peer-mediated activities, and …

Developing Accessible Narrative-Based Stem Learning Software For K-6 Braille Display Users, Dylan Ravel, Daniel Tsivkovski, Brandon Foley, Maryam Etezad, Franceli Cibrian, Ariel Han, Rajeev Joshi

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This research develops a free, accessible web application that enables K-6 students who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) to learn STEM concepts using refreshable braille displays. Currently, most online learning tools are not designed for BVI students, creating a significant educational barrier.

The application interfaces with commercial braille displays and uses narrative-based learning to make STEM content approachable and engaging. By presenting material as interactive stories, students can connect with concepts while developing braille reading skills. The curriculum design prioritizes accessibility through the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) standards and screen reader support.

The goal is to provide BVI …

Ctrl + Alt + Inner Speech: A Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (Vcs) Model Of Pathways To Computational Thinking, Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

This theoretical paper introduces the Verbal–Cognitive Scaffold (VCS) Model, a cognitively inclusive framework which proposes the cognitive architectures underlying computational thinking (CT). Moving beyond monolithic theories of cognition (e.g., executive-function and metacognitive control models), the VCS Model posits inner speech (InSp) as the predominant cognitive pathway supporting CT operations in neurotypical populations. Synthesizing interdisciplinary scholarship across cognitive science, computational theory, neurodiversity research, and others, this framework articulates distinct mechanisms through which InSp supports CT. The model specifies four primary pathways linking InSp to CT components: verbal working memory supporting decomposition, symbolic representation facilitating pattern recognition and abstraction, sequential processing enabling …

Undergraduate Stem Student Reflections On The Academic Support Ecosystem At A Rural Minority Serving Institution: The Importance Of Relationship, Stephany Runninghawk Johnson, Jessica L. Black, Karolynn Tom

Northwest Journal of Teacher Education

This paper presents a research project with a group of STEM majoring undergraduates attending a Hispanic Serving Institution participating in the CRESCENT program intended to support undergraduates through their basic math and science courses. The research questions addressed in this paper include: What part of CRESCENT were students utilizing the most and how were they helpful? How did CRESCENT support students through COVID? What can we learn from this data to make future programs more responsive and relevant to STEM majoring students? We found that during COVID students were missing in person contact, had heightened responsibilities and distractions at home, …

(R2084) Clarification Of Mathematical Criteria For Conservative Forces And Vector Fields With A Point Singularity In Engineering Studies, Nelli Aleksandrova

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The paper deals with a comprehensive analysis of existing mathematical criteria for conservative vector fields including algebraic and geometrical interpretation of Extended Green’s Theorem. Special attention is devoted to the fields containing a point singularity, which represents the primary challenge both in teaching Calculus and in carrying out scientific research in general in computer engineering. Examples of real-world physical fields such as gravitational, electric and magnetic ones are used to appreciate the proposed clarification while teaching various interchangeable disciplines such as mathematics, physics and engineering. Other examples from scientific research literature are provided as well to support the necessity of …

Investigating Programming Behaviors To Understand Student Engagement And Experience In Introductory Programming Courses, Marcus Eugene Gubanyi

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Introductory programming courses are foundational to developing students’ problem-solving abilities and shaping their persistence in computing pathways. Engagement with programming tasks plays a central role in student learning and experience. Many research measures, including self-reports and code submissions, offer only a limited view of student engagement with programming tasks. This dissertation leverages programming process data, consisting of keystrokes and compilation events, to capture the programming process as it unfolds and to investigate observable programming behaviors. Guided by educational theories, three studies examine how students’ programming behaviors vary across instructional and assessment contexts, how they relate to motivational profiles, and how …

Investigating Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Stem Teaching Self-Efficacy And Goal Orientation, Derek Scott Cox

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

In the context of teacher education, self-efficacy and goal orientation can have an impact on one’s motivation, desire to improve, and maintaining a growth mindset in teachers. This study utilized an explanatory mixed methods design to investigate how and why preservice elementary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers’ confidence and views on competency changes after completing an array of courses built around integrated STEM.

Sixty-five preservice teachers participated in the pre- post-test quantitative data collection to determine changes in integrated STEM self-efficacy and achievement goal orientations (mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, performance-avoidance). Data collection measures include Self-Efficacy for Teaching Integrated STEM …