Digital Commons Network^™

Computer Science For Middle School (Cs4ms), Melani Loney, Lisa Steffian, Tancy J. Vandecar-Burdin

Center for Educational Partnerships Publications

This session will discuss the project Computer Science for Middle School and the associated findings. This Virginia Department of Education funded project provides computer science Professional Development opportunities for in-service teachers, located in Southeastern Virginia, who instruct students in middle school grades 6- 8. Participating teachers learn to integrate computer science standards into core and elective content through online, asynchronous microcredentials and in-person Summer Workshops. The presentation will include project findings and next steps including teacher efficacy for implementing the computer science standards before and after completing the microcredentials and their students’ attitudes about computer science.

Editorial: Invention Education And Stem: Perspectives And Possibilities, Joanna K. Garner, Shiri D. Gandhi, Adam V. Maltese

Center for Educational Partnerships Publications

[Introduction] Generating solutions for society's complex problems requires a diverse workforce dedicated to technological and social innovation, and sustained efforts toward invention: the process of creating new, novel, and useful products to overcome challenges that affect quality of life and productivity (Couch et al. 2019). Historically, opportunities for K-12 students to develop inventive acumen have been rare and inequitably distributed, partly because educators were expected to provide such experiences without the support of professional development, curricular materials, and instructional examples. These issues have become the focus of an emergent field called Invention Education (IvE). IvE uses trans-disciplinary, equity-oriented …

A Review Of Research On Engineering In K-12 Science Education, Allison Antink-Meyer, Ryan A. Brown, Margaret E. Parker, Jennifer Smith

Faculty Publications - College of Education

The purpose of this study is to explore trends in interrelated engineering education and science education research within six science education research journals across the first decade since the release of the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Journals were selected using a combination of impact factors and random sampling. The resulting qualitative systematic review exposes trends that arose and fell among science education journals and scholars as reflected in 141 articles published between 2011 and 2024 in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, the International Journal of Science Education, School Science …

Unmasking The Nexus Of Race, Ethnicity, And Health: An Intersectional Analysis Of The Epistemology Of Race In Medicine, Medical Curricula, And Health Disparities, Antoinette Leonard-Jean Charles

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The persistent health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States are deeply rooted in systemic racism embedded within medical education and clinical practice. Historical acceptance of racial supremacy in the United States has shaped both the foundations and continued practices of medical education, leading to entrenched biases that affect healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This dissertation critically examines the intersection of race, education, and health by analyzing how historical and contemporary understandings of race and ethnicity shape medical curricula, healthcare practices, and patient care. Through the integration of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Social …

Science, Students, And Self: An Autoethnography Of One Middle School Science Teacher’S Experiences And Challenges With Implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Alexandra Dalton

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation is an autoethnographic inquiry into how the implementation of culturally relevant pedagogy into the middle school classroom is filled with challenges and wins. In this dissertation I explore how implementing culturally relevant pedagogy helped me connect more with my students which in turn increased their academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness. I was able to accomplish this by using the research within my own classroom and reflecting on how my students reacted to the changes in my pedagogy. Using the methodology of autoethnography, I was able to incorporate my own personal experiences as research. I also include …

Navigating And Transforming Pk12 Systems Through Research-Practice Partnerships, Maia Elkana, Rachel Ruggirello, Jay Hartman, Nikki Doughty, Victoria May

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

This chapter examines how one research-practice partnership (RPP) navigated and impacted complex PK12 systems. Our experiences interrogate the locus of control for those participating in RPP projects in building and sustaining equitable university PK12 relationships and more equitable school communities. Through a case study focused on a school leadership and cultural transformation partnership between an urban school district, university researchers, and community non-profit organizations, we illustrate the ways that RPPs can support participants grappling with PK12 system factors. These systems can serve as both barriers and facilitators to equitable functioning within the context of the partnership as well as for …

Using Appreciative Inquiry To Strengthen Rpp, Maia Elkana, Victoria L. May

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) offer a model for mutually beneficial learning and capacity building across disciplines and contexts. Bringing together professionals with different skills and areas of expertise can foster innovation with the goal of creating equitable transformation and improvement. Within these partnerships, individuals often need to approach the work with a different set of skills and mindsets than they might otherwise draw from in their regular roles as researchers, teachers, administrators, or policymakers. Several resources have examined the kind of personal capacities needed for working collaboratively across disciplines and considered the complex ways in which context, systems, and structures external …

2025 Viewbook, Office Of Admissions

Viewbook

At IMSA, you will be part of a community of over 650 diverse students passionate about learning. Located in suburban Aurora, IMSA’s campus consists of seven residence halls spread across 97 acres. While living and learning on campus, you’ll make new friends, encounter new ideas, and learn to live independently. You will also have the opportunity to explore over 85 clubs, organizations, and IHSAsponsored co-curricular and athletic programs. IMSA provides a safe, nurturing environment. Professional Resident Counselors (RCs) live in each hall and will help you navigate your home away from home through the Residential Life Curriculum. Through this curriculum, …

Explosions Are Always Entertaining But…: Investigating The Impacts Of Science Shows On High School Students, Shanii Phillips, Miriam Sullivan, Ann Grand

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Science shows are often posited as a route to encourage young people to engage with science. Using a mixed methods approach, our research investigated the impact of attending a science show on high school students’ intentions to study science or pursue a career in science. We found that while a single visit to a science show has little impact on students’ aspirations, it can reinforce students’ confidence in their ability to succeed in science. In terms of design and performance, the best-received shows included ‘real-world’ content that students could identify as relevant to their lives.

The Antibiofilm Efficacy Of Copper And Zinc-Enhanced Borate Bioactive Glasses On Polymicrobial Biofilms, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant global challenge driven by biofilm-forming pathogens. Polymicrobial biofilms, involving interactions between multiple microbial species, exacerbate treatment difficulties due to their enhanced resistance to antimicrobial therapies. Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) are an emerging class of biomaterials that have attracted significant interest in infection control. The incorporation of copper and zinc into the BBG matrix can effectively disrupt biofilm formation and bacterial colonization. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of copper and zinc-doped BBGs against polymicrobial biofilms formed by S. epidermidis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Using static and dynamic biofilm models, BBGs were applied through …

Designing Tpack-Driven Mobile Learning With Digital Citizenship For Biology Education: Insights From Ngt And Ism Approaches, Cik Jamaliah Abd Manaf, Shakinaz Desa, Muhamad Ikhwan Mat Saad, Helen Crompton

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The rapid digitization of education and the complexity of scientific content demand the integration of digital citizenship in TPACK-based mobile learning for Biology. This study aimed to identify and prioritize relevant digital citizenship practices using a Design and Development Research approach. In Phase One, the Nominal Group Technique with 10 experts evaluated eight proposed practices. Phase Two employed Interpretive Structural Modeling with nine experts to structure hierarchical relationships. Seven practices were retained, with Ethical Use of Digital Resources as the top-level driver. The resulting framework supports ethical and discipline-specific mobile learning models, promoting responsible digital engagement in Biology education.

Implementation Of Project-Based Instruction In Statistics Higher Education Courses, Jennifer A. Daddysman

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

Project-based instruction is an instructional methodology based in constructivism that aligns with recommendations from the American Statistical Association for teaching statistics, including incorporating real-world data and examples, collaboration, and scaffolding (GAISE College Report ASA Revision Committee, 2016; GAISE Steering Committee, 2024; Krajcik & Blumenfeld, 2005; Tishkovskaya & Lancaster, 2012). This study examined current use of project-based instruction in United States higher education courses in statistics and the supports for and challenges to implementing this type of instruction.

This study used qualitative research methodology in the integrative pedagogy and diffusion of innovation frameworks. Voluntary response surveys were distributed via two sections …

Examining How Well High School Geometry Students Learn Concepts Of Three-Dimensional Figures Using A Project-Based Instructional Strategy, Lenora A. Mcgrath

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This paper examines how well the introduction of an integrated approach, namely, Project-based Instruction (PBI), which uses real-world contexts to investigate problems, leads to improved academic performance and student motivation in a 9^th Grade Geometry class studying three-dimensional figures and their properties. The experimental group worked through the researcher-designed unit that included mini-lessons, six benchmark lessons, and the design and creation of a final product to address the driving question of the unit. The comparison group experienced a normative teaching strategy designed by the classroom teacher. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was chosen for the proposed study to …

Examining The Professional Noticing Skills, Attitudes Toward Mathematics, And Elementary Math Content Knowledge Of Preservice Elementary School Teachers Through The Noticing Numeracy Now Intervention, Johnathan T. Rogers

Theses and Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Abstract: This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of the Noticing Numeracy Now intervention, an intervention focused on professional noticing of children’s conceptual development in whole number and arithmetic reasoning, on preservice elementary teachers’ professional noticing skills, attitudes toward mathematics, and elementary math content knowledge. This study was based off of a previous study and intervention created by Molly Fisher, Jonathan Thomas, Edna Schack, Cindy Jong and Janet Tassell. This study used a video-based professional noticing module, consisting of four lessons, situated in the pedagogies of practice framework. Within this study, 10 students (all preservice elementary teachers) at Kentucky State University …

Black Women, Bold Science: Navigating Race, Gender, And Identity In Science, Mia L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

This research study examines the challenges Black women encounter when in predominantly white, male academic and professional science settings, where they experience dual discrimination because of their race and gender. These biases perpetuate the negative stereotype that Black women are less competent than white men. This mixed methods study examines how Black women navigate their race, gender, and science identities within predominantly white institutions through their doctoral programs and professional science careers. The study implements Critical Race Mixed Methodology to combine survey data for a wide reach with interview data for detailed exploration. The study involved eight Black women science …

Belonging: Data Reasoning, About Ourselves And Others, Eva Thanheiser, Molly Robinson, Simon Byeonguk Han, Amanda Sugimoto, Courtney Koestler, Mathew Felton-Koestler

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Using Watson’s belonging framework and GAISE II data reasoning, this lesson invites students to collect, analyze, and represent personal data. In doing so, they see themselves and their peers reflected in the work, reinforcing their value as active participants in both mathematical thinking and the classroom community.

Developing Concepts In Second Language (L2) Science From ‘Bits And Pieces’ Of Prior Knowledge: A Multiple Case Study Of Spanish-Speaking 4th And 5th Graders, María Isabel Martínez-Cuenca

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Earth science concepts sit at the intersection of the compounding difficulties English language learners’ (ELLs) face in content-integrated instruction. Emerging first language (L1) skills, emerging L2 language, and the difficulty of science terms interact with second language (L2) content learning. Moreover, L2 science concepts rarely develop incidentally through L2 socialization and instruction in the same naturalistic way as they do in the L1. Leveraging L1 resources may help ELLs in this process, yet there is a dearth of studies that consistently do so. This dissertation explores how, and the extent to which, leveraging ELLs’ pre-existing knowledge may support science and …

Game-Based Learning With Augmented Reality, Kantida Nanon

Dissertations

Augmented Reality (AR) technology provides an effective and controllable learning environment, especially for complicated, potentially dangerous, or critical content. Effective implementation of interaction and platforms for educational tools can maximize learner engagement and optimize the learning experience. This dissertation explores the potential of AR technology to enhance learning experiences across multiple platforms and subject areas, particularly within chemistry and mathematics. The dissertation is grounded in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and explores the potential of AR to increase learner engagement, improve learning outcomes, and transform traditional pedagogical practices.

The dissertation is divided into two parts. The first part examines …

Educational Strategy For Service Learning Using Stem Activities: A Case Study Of A Malaysian Secondary School, Nurulsaidah Abdul Rahim, Suzaliza Mustafar

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

This paper discusses the Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) program in developing an educational strategy for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning at a Malaysian secondary school. The implementation of the 60:40 policy (60% STEM and 40% non-STEM) in Malaysia is to increase the number of students studying STEM. However, as of 2022, this policy had failed to achieve this target ratio. Additionally, Malaysian students’ scores on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in the categories of math, science, and language literacy decreased from 2018 to 2022. This paper argues that SULAM represents a promising approach to …

Beyond Average Effects In Education Research Syntheses: Explaining Heterogeneity Of Concept Mapping Research In Science Education Through Meta-Regression Modeling, Aaron Wenger

Dissertations

Contemporary education research seeks causal inferences in order to guide policy and practice. Often well-controlled quasi-experimental and experimental designs are used as they are very useful for supporting and contextualizing causal inferences. Nevertheless, individual studies, even high-quality, resource-intensive randomized controlled trials, are not able to establish generalized claims. Because primary studies vary over dozens of variables (e.g., grade, subject, duration) simply conducting additional primary studies cannot change this. Furthermore, the informal assessments of primary studies common in literature reviews are unable to resolve certain challenges (e.g., publication bias) that are described in the emerging field of meta-research. These challenges require …

Volume 7 (2024) Artificial Intelligence And Responsibility, Arwa Alnajashi, Danielle Derise, Philip L. Frana, David Mcgraw, Amanda Sawyer, Tatjana Titareva, Raafat Zaini, Allie Zombron

International Journal on Responsibility

The seventh volume of the International Journal on Responsibility (IJR) arrives at a crucial moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence and its integration into our academic and social fabric. As we witness the rapid advancement and deployment of AI systems across various domains, this special issue examines the multifaceted dimensions of responsibility surrounding AI technology, with a particular focus on its role in higher education and broader societal implications.

The articles in this volume contribute to our understanding of responsibility through diverse lenses, from classroom implementation to ethical design considerations. Together, they fulfill IJR’s central mission of exploring “Who …

School System And Student Performance: Examining Science And Mathematics Achievement In Pakistan, Sadia Muzaffar Bhutta, Sohail Ahmad, Aisha Naz Ansari

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Public and private school systems are the two largest providers of formal school education in Pakistan, differing significantly in their governance, resources, and practices. While previous studies showed differences in Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), often favouring private schools, these comparisons remained largely descriptive. This paper compares elementary grade students’ performance in mathematics and science between public and private schools in Pakistan, accounting for factors such as grade level and geographical region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 15,391 students from grades 5, 6, and 8, selected through a multistage sampling technique from a total of­­ 153 public and private schools …

Exploring Student Engagement In A Blended And Gamified Statistics And Probability: Designed With Learning Styles And Player Types, Reymund R. Gonowon

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Educators are called to contribute towards achieving SDG 4: Quality Education. A major determinant in achieving this goal is providing learners with essential skills such as analyzing and interpreting data, making inferences, and driving evidence-based decisions which are the expected competencies in Statistics and Probability (STATPRO), one of the core subjects of the senior high school curriculum in the Philippines. To progress towards SDG 4, achieving the learning competencies of STATPRO is vital, however engaging students in a blended learning environment may be challenging. This study aims to explore the behavioral engagement of students in a gamified STATPRO class through …

Math Anxiety In Mathematical Education, Chenniya Thompson

Transformations

Have you ever wondered why you were so scared to take a mathematics class? Or wondered why your performance was poor during assessments? Mathematics anxiety is real and has been studied around the world. Come with me to find way we can assess math anxiety and solutions that can help aid this anxiety.

Math Anxiety For High School Students, Justin Gill

Transformations

The stresses math can bring to students who overstress or underperform can intensify as the courses they attend become more rigorous. Reviewing several articles to look at how math anxiety affects students, we will look at the position in which math stands in the eyes of students and if how they observe their classes determines their motivation while in class.

Perceived Engagement And Achievement Of Students In A Career And Technical Education And Math Co-Taught Lesson In Southeast Tennessee: A Mixed Methods Study, Charis P. Reagan

Ed.D. Dissertations

Given the problem that students were not engaged in math class and were leaving high school without the basic math skills needed to be successful for college and career, the purpose of this convergent mixed methods case study was to investigate student and teacher perceptions of how math application through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) and math co-taught lesson influenced the level of student engagement in math and whether this co-teaching affected student achievement with math. As I reviewed the literature, I found a lack of studies related to co-teaching and if providing the students with the opportunity for …

An Investigation Into Two Mathematics Score Reports: Problem Solving Measure (Psm) And Measurement Of Academic Progress (Map), Benjamin Lawson, Jonathan D. Bostic

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

K-12 teachers and staff need high-quality score reports that accurately report students’ results. However, research about score reports that K-12 teachers and staff use indicates that they infrequently are given opportunities to share feedback to developers. To address this, we gathered feedback from teachers and administrators, in an explanatory sequential design of a mixed-methods study. A purpose of the study was to examine score report quality from two mathematics assessments. Two researchers surveyed in-service professionals (n = 34) about two score reports. Then, we conducted follow-up interviews (n = 6) to further unpack what school personnel find valuable and useful …

Keep It Real! Introducing A Four-Part Framework For Real-World Math Teaching In The Secondary Classroom, Patrick Mcguire

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

Drawing upon research-based best practices and previous literature, this article introduces a four-part “REAL” framework (Relevance, Equity, Application, and Leveraging Technology) to help secondary math teachers integrate real-world activities in their classrooms. The article provides an example of a REAL-world activity, “The 8^th Billion Baby” (Yummy Math; https://yummymath.com/post/the-8th-billion-baby/) further demonstrating how secondary mathematics teachers can move from theory to practice. The article concludes with a curated list of recommended resources designed to support real-world teaching and learning in secondary mathematics classrooms.

Math Education: A Comprehensive Guide To Teaching The Foundations, Claudia Jayne Staruch

Honors College Theses

This thesis investigates the critical need for strong foundational mathematics education for adults. More specifically, for incarcerated individuals who lack basic numeracy skills because of the systematic inequalities that they have faced, the need for a mathematics foundation is even higher. This work emphasizes a non-technological approach to teaching these basics through qualitative analysis, including teaching strategies and practical lessons, while recognizing the various barriers many learners face. This research serves as a guide for educators to use for how to sequence and pace lessons, address certain learning styles, and gain classroom engagement, comprehension, and long-term retention of the materials. …

Using Geogebra To Foster Imagination And Creativity To Build Mathematics Confidence In A Stem World, Joseph M. Furner

Transformations

Math teachers can better prepare all student for a STEM world using computer software like GeoGebra to better prepare our youth for such high-tech careers like that of which Einstein was part of while also emphasizing and fostering creativity in the learning of mathematics. It is critical we have young learners who are confident in their ability to do math and be creative. Teachers today need to check dispositions toward mathematics and address math anxiety while building math confidence in their students. In an ever-advancing world of technology, math teachers need to incorporate such emerging technologies like GeoGebra into the …