Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Probing For Bias: Comparing Populations Using Item Response Curves, Paul J. Walter, Edward Nuhfer, Crisel Suarez

Numeracy

We introduce an approach for making a quantitative comparison of the item response curves (IRCs) of any two populations on a multiple-choice test instrument. In this study, we employ simulated and actual data. We apply our approach to a dataset of 12,187 participants on the 25-item Science Literacy Concept Inventory (SLCI), which includes ample demographic data of the participants. Prior comparisons of the IRCs of different populations addressed only two populations and were made by visual inspection. Our approach allows for quickly comparing the IRCs for many pairs of populations to identify those items where substantial differences exist. For each …

Elementary Teachers’ Mental Images Of Engineers At Work, Rebekah Hammack, Juliana Utley, Toni Ivey, Karen High

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

The purpose of the current study was to determine the impacts of a multiple-day engineering-focused professional development program on elementary teachers’ perceptions of the work of engineers and their use of mathematics and science. Data were collected in the form of drawings of engineers prior to and immediately after the professional development program as well as an open-ended exit survey at the end of the program. Participants’ drawings were scored in the following areas: use of mathematics, use of science, and work of an engineer. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed that the only significant change between measures was in ‘‘work of …

La Evolución Del Rol Del Director Escolar En Tiempos De Covid-19, José M. Torres

Keynotes, Speeches, and Lectures

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of A Science Methods Course On Prospective Elementary Teachers’ Visions Of Science Teaching, Martha M. Canipe, Jessica Y. Coronado Verdugo

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Prospective elementary teachers may enter their teacher education program having experienced science more as a collection of definitions and facts than in ways that support rich engagement with scientific phenomena. As a result, their visions of themselves as science teachers may not align with the most recent understandings about how to teach science to support student learning. Science methods courses are settings that have the potential to shift prospective teachers’ visions of science teaching. We used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach with collection of survey data followed by interviews with selected participants. We analyzed how prospective elementary teachers’ visions …

Specifications-Based Grading Reduces Anxiety For Students Of Ordinary Differential Equations, Mel Henriksen, Jakob Kotas, Mami Wentworth

CODEE Journal

Specifications-based grading (SBG) is an assessment scheme in which student grades are based on demonstrated understanding of known specifications which are tied to course learning outcomes. Typically with SBG, students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate such understanding. In undergraduate-level introductory ordinary differential equations courses at two institutions, SBG has been found to markedly decrease students’ self-reported anxiety related to the course as compared to traditionally graded courses.

Feasibility Of Modifying Existing Chemistry Demonstrations By Using Substitute Materials, Dane Mykel M. Quiambao, Armando M. Guidote Jr, Rhodora F. Nicdao

Chemistry Faculty Publications

This study aimed to reiterate the use of Chemistry demonstrations as effective teaching tools to students while addressing some of its drawbacks, which discourages teachers from doing them such as cost and safety. Four chosen existing Chemistry demonstrations (Blue Bottle Experiment, Copper Sulfate Experiment, Blown Away, Dancing Flames) were modified by using substitute reagents, which are more accessible, relatively safer, and at lower cost. These demonstrations were chosen based on how easily the substitute reagents will be obtained. Afterwards, with the permission of a private junior high school, they were presented to a group of Grade 9 students of their …

Science Teachers’ Infusion Of Peer Assessment In Primary School, Usha Nair Tangaraju

Student Works (2020-2029)

Infusing peer assessment strategies into science lessons have the potential to enhance learner autonomy. Learner autonomy is an important attribute as an educational outcome. Nevertheless, research indicates that teachers do not infuse peer assessment strategies that teachers perceive as challenges. Thus, this study examines how primary science teachers infuse peer assessment strategies and to investigate the challenges these teachers face when infusing these strategies. The exploratory qualitative research design was utilized. The sample of this study were three primary school science teachers. These teachers were chosen because of their willingness to participate in the study. Data collection techniques employed were …

Effectiveness Of Virtual Manipulative Teaching Method In Enhancing Year Four Pupils’ Understanding Of Fractions, Kavitha Karbal Singh

Student Works (2020-2029)

Fractions are common numerical representations in mathematics. However, they seem to be a complicated mathematical concept to master, particularly among school pupils. Pupils have a hard time studying fraction due to insufficient understanding of the concept. An effective teaching method is therefore essential for the teaching and learning of this particular component. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the virtual manipulative teaching method in improving the understanding of fraction among Primary Year Four pupils. Essentially a quasi-experimental research, the method used was a non-equivalent, control group pretest-posttest approach. A total of 80 pupils from a …

Pembangunan Video Interaktif 360˚ Biodiversiti Paya Bakau Bagi Murid Tingkatan Empat, Rohaillah Mohd Jabid

Student Works (2020-2029)

Lawatan lapangan merupakan satu kaedah pembelajaran yang mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan murid dan seterusnya menjadi jambatan antara pembelajaran secara formal dan juga pembelajaran tidak formal. Namun, terdapat kekangan yang dihadapi oleh guru dalam menjalankan kaedah pembelajaran lawatan lapangan ini seperti faktor keselamatan, kewangan dan juga masa. Teknologi realiti maya mampu menjadi satu alternatif kepada lawatan lapangan. Kajian ini merupakan kajian yang membangunkan video lawatan lapangan secara maya iaitu Video Interakif 360 darjah Biodiverisiti Paya Bakau (ViBioD) yang dibangun berpandukan Model Reka Bentuk Pembangunan ADDIE. Teori yang mendasari pembangunan ViBioD ini adalah Teori Kognitif Multimedia Mayer (1990) dan Model Penerimaan Teknologi. Pembangunan …

Misconceptions On Chemical Bonding Among Form Four Pupils, Quah Mei Ling

Student Works (2020-2029)

The learning of chemical bonding in chemistry is an abstract concept for all students. The process of learning chemistry can be classified into three levels which are macroscopic, sub-microscopic, and symbolic levels. Students have problems correlating all three levels in learning chemical bonding. During the transition of these three levels, students face difficulties in relating the macroscopic and sub-microscopic levels which lead to misconceptions. Therefore, the purpose of conducting this study was to explore the misconceptions of chemical bonding which includes ionic bonding and covalent bonding among Form Four students. This study aimed to answer two research questions; 1) what …

Penguasaan Kemahiran Manipulatif Sains Murid Menengah Rendah, Nor Amirah Mohamad Nor

Student Works (2020-2029)

Manipulative skills are psychomotor skills that enable students to use and handle science apparatus and substances correctly, handle specimens correctly and carefully, and sketch specimens accurately during scientific investigation. The inability of students to acquire science manipulative skills can affect the acquisition of other skills and scientific knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mastery of science manipulative skills of lower secondary students. This is a qualitative study that was conducted over 7 weeks. Participants in this study were selected through purposive sampling technique that involved 10 Form 2 students and two science teachers. The researcher used experimental tasks …

Effectiveness Of Using Scratch® In Enhancing Word Problem Solving Achievement In Basic Arithmetic Among Year Two Pupils, Usha Thangamani

Student Works (2020-2029)

Teaching and learning of primary and secondary Mathematics in Malaysia wields problem solving as the central theme and fundamental emphasis in the curriculum content. However, problem solving which allows pupils to think critically, analytically and logically often viewed as complex mathematics area since it obliges knowledge of number sense and basic arithmetic operations and language skill. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using Scratch in enhancing word problem solving achievement in basic arithmetic among year two pupils. A total of 60 year two mixed ability pupils from a government primary school in Bangsar district were …

Everything Is Science: A Free City-Wide Science Festival, Jarrod W. Creameans, Michelle G. Pitts, Olivia White, Kellen M. Greenwell, Kristie Colón, Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova, Vincent J. Venditto

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

A week-long, city-wide science festival called Everything is Science (EiS) was developed to educate the community in an informal manner. The festival serves as a platform for presenters from diverse professions to give engaging talks (without PowerPoint slides) to the public, free of charge, in restaurants and bars around town. Over 350 people attended the events over 5 days with 33 presenters. Surveys completed by attendees and session coordinators indicate strong support for this festival. Altogether, the EiS festival serves as a no-cost method to engage with the community and improve science literacy with potential for adoption in other cities.

Unit #2: Water - Remote Learning Activities, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Little STEAMers: Early Learning Program

No abstract provided.

Computer Science Teacher Survey, Josh B. Mcgee, Sarah C. Mckenzie

Arkansas Education Reports

In April/May of 2020, the University of Arkansas’ Office for Education Policy (OEP), in partnership with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson's Computer Science and Cyber Security Task Force, fielded a survey with the 400+ Arkansas educators who at that time held a computer science endorsement (528), computer science approval code (5016), or computer science technical permit (5014) on their educator’s license. The survey received 153 responses, a nearly 40 percent response rate.

Solving Concurrent And Nonconcurrent Coplanar Force Systems: Balancing Theory And Practice In The Technology And Engineering Education Classroom, Andrew J. Hughes, Chris Merrill

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

The basic concepts inherent to statics, including unbalanced and balanced forces and instability and stability of physical systems, have traditionally been covered in middle and high school physical science courses (Physical Science as indicated in Next Generation Science Standards). Yet, these concepts are covered using a physical science approach that has minor but significant differences in terminology, structure, and focus when compared with an engineering approach. Since a robust understanding of statics is considered an essential component for most engineering disciplines, Technology and Engineering Education’s (T&EE) implementation of statics with an engineering approach could promote students’ ability to transfer learning …

Fourteen Recommendations To Create A More Inclusive Environment For Lgbtq+ Individuals In Academic Biology, Katelyn M. Cooper, Anna Jo J. Auerbach, Jordan D. Bader, Amy S. Beadles-Bohling, Jacqueline A. Brashears, Erica Cline, Sarah L. Eddy, Deanna B. Elliott, Elijah Farley, Linda Fuselier, Heather M. Heinz, Madison Irving, Tanya Josek, A. Kelly Lane, Stanley M. Lo, Jeffrey Maloy, Michelle Nugent, Erika Offerdahl, Juan Palacios-Moreno, Jorge Ramos, Joshua W. Reid, Rachel A. Sparks, Ashley L. Waring, Mike Wilton, Cara Gormally, Sara E. Brownell

Publications and Research

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and otherwise non-straight and/or non-cisgender (LGBTQ+) have often not felt welcome or represented in the biology community. Additionally, biology can present unique challenges for LGBTQ+ students because of the relationship between certain biology topics and their LGBTQ+ identities. Currently, there is no centralized set of guidelines to make biology learning environments more inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals. Rooted in prior literature and the collective expertise of the authors who identify as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, we present a set of actionable recommendations to help biologists, biology educators, and biology …

The Relationship Between The Next Generation Content Area Reading Professional Development Program On The Effectiveness Of Teaching Literacy Strategies In High School Biology Classes, Tia Pridgen Brown

Dissertations

The need for effective content area reading teachers have continued to increase since the introduction of one public school districts’ Content Area Reading Professional Development (CAR-PD) in 2006. In 2011, modifications were made to improve the program, and it became known as the Next Generation Content Area Reading Professional Development (NGCAR-PD). The purpose of this program evaluation is to investigate the relationship between NGCAR-PD certified Biology teachers and their ability to implement reading strategies with science content effectively. The context of this inquiry is a mid-sized public school district that has implemented the program since 2006 at the middle and …

Middle School Algebra As A College And Career Readiness Indicator, Carrie M. Renfroe

Dissertations

A goal of historic and current educational policy in American public schools has been to increase middle school student completion of Algebra I. The purpose of this study was to investigate equitable strategies for mathematics acceleration of diverse populations of middle school students. The context of this inquiry was a mid-sized school district that offers accelerated mathematics pathways to select middle school students throughout the district. My study demonstrated outcomes that align with current college and career readiness literature and support school-wide implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) system.

The Construction Of Student Mathematical Identity And Its Relationship To Academic Achievement, Ann Trescott

Dissertations

The California university and state college systems (UC and CSU) are committed to accepting a diverse student body. Although there has been some growth in the percentage of minority students admitted each year, a low number of minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged students meet minimum entrance requirements. For example, in 2018, only 33% of socioeconomically disadvantaged African American students and 39% Hispanic/Latinx students who graduated from California public high schools met minimum UC/CSU requirements (CDE, 2019).

Explanations for ineligibility include the fact that many high school students have not completed the requisite mathematics classes due in part to the inequitable practice …