Education Commons^™

Meeting Their Fullest Potential: The Beliefs And Teaching Of A Culturally Relevant Science Teacher, Charlease P. Kelly-Jackson, Tambra O. Jackson

Faculty and Research Publications

As elementary and middle school children of color continue to score poorly on science standardized tests, culturally relevant teaching has been shown to be an effective approach to addressing the social and academic needs of students from diverse backgrounds. This article illustrates how the theory of culturally relevant pedagogy is embraced in the teaching beliefs of a sixth grade science teacher in a rural, low socioeconomic, predominantly African American school. The findings from a qualitative case study reveal beliefs and teaching practices consistent with three major tenets of culturally relevant pedagogy: conceptions of self and students; social relations; and perceptions …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between High School Courses Taken And Graduation From Chadron State College Within Six Years, Ann Krejci

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chadron State College is one of three institutions in Nebraska’s State College System. Because of its mission as an open-enrollment institution, Chadron State College has no academic course requirements for admission, and any student who has completed high school or its equivalent is eligible for enrollment.

The purpose of the study was to find whether or not there was a relationship between the characteristics of a Nebraska student’s high school education and the probability of that student’s graduation from Chadron State College within six years of matriculation.

A sample of 180 high school records were retrieved from the Chadron State …

Impulsive-Analytic Disposition: Instrument Pilot Testing, Kien H. Lim, Osvaldo F. Morera

Kien H Lim

The likelihood-to-act (LtA) survey measures impulsive and analytic dispositions in solving mathematics problems. The current version has 16 impulsive and 16 analytic items. Its validity was assessed using a sample of 27 in-service and 92 pre-service teachers. Both the impulsive and analytic subscales were found to have internal consistency reliability, but they were not correlated with one another. The impulsive subscale was predictive of correctness in classifying the LtA items. The analytic subscale was predictive of how well a participant would perform in Part 2 of a math test after taking Part 1 and being warned that some items could …

Biosmart: An Integrated Programme To Enhance Graduate Skills In Biomedical Science, Peter Johnson, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, Kevin Ashton, John Leggett, Russ Chess-Williams, Debra Henly

Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

The BioSMART (Scientific Methods for Analytical and Reasoning Skills and Critical Thinking) program was developed to support the professional development of Bachelor of Biomedical Science students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University. BioSMART comprises an integrated suite of learning activities and assessments embedded across the degree program in three phases. In Phase One, students develop foundational laboratory and scientific reasoning and writing skills. In Phase Two, students plan and conduct scientific research projects and other activities, which develop work-ready competencies including project design, implementation, data analysis, team work and presentation skills. Finally, in Phase Three, …

Imsa’S 25th Birthday: Opening Day Commemorative Celebration, Stephanie Pace Marshall

Lectures, Speeches, and Talks

No abstract provided.

Biosmart: An Integrated Programme To Enhance Graduate Skills In Biomedical Science, Peter Johnson, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, Kevin Ashton, John Leggett, Russ Chess-Williams, Debra Henly

Russ Chess-Williams

The BioSMART (Scientific Methods for Analytical and Reasoning Skills and Critical Thinking) program was developed to support the professional development of Bachelor of Biomedical Science students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University. BioSMART comprises an integrated suite of learning activities and assessments embedded across the degree program in three phases. In Phase One, students develop foundational laboratory and scientific reasoning and writing skills. In Phase Two, students plan and conduct scientific research projects and other activities, which develop work-ready competencies including project design, implementation, data analysis, team work and presentation skills. Finally, in Phase Three, …

Ists, September 2011, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Notes and News

--Opportunities

Education In The Environment: A Strategy For Continued Interagency Outdoor Education Programming: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending August 31, 2010, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

Highlights of the university’s focused efforts during the past three months include the following:

• One Families in Nature event was held, benefitting approximately 40 people.
• A media campaign has been developed for the Nevada Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.
• A total of18 people are participating in the fourth cohort of the Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education and Interpretation.
• An RV has been purchased for the SNAP Mobile Exhibit and is in process of being retrofitted.
• Forever Earth was scheduled for 16 days and benefited 425 individuals.
• The National Park Service used Forever Earth as a mobile visitor center on …

Undergraduate Engineering Students' Understanding Of Heat, Temperature, And Radiation, Katharyn Nottis, Michael Prince, Margot Vigeant, Sarah Nelson, Kathryn Hartsock

Michael J. Prince

Difficulty understanding heat and temperature concepts has been recognized in engineering education. Confusion has been shown to persist after instruction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether undergraduate engineering students’ knowledge of four heat transfer concept areas significantly changed with instruction and whether this varied by major and GPA. Two hundred twenty-eight undergraduate engineering students from six institutions were assessed prior to and after instruction. Results showed significant improvement in most concept areas but mean scores were below mastery. Previously documented misconceptions persisted after instruction. Significant differences were found by major and GPA. Suggestions for future research provided.

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

Michael J. Prince

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

Margot Vigeant

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Collaborative Research: Centers For Ocean Science Education Excellence - Oceans In The Earth-Sun System, Annette Decharon

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

This award establishes a new Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE) via awards to the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences (0528706), the University of Maine (0528702), and the University of New Hampshire (0528686). The main goals of this thematic Center are to broaden understanding of the oceans in the context of the earth and solar systems and to help the COSEE network reach rural and inland audiences. The PIs will pioneer a system of interfaces, tools, and resources to reach underserved and underrepresented groups, and to bring ocean sciences to inland audiences by presenting it in the context of …

Introducing Astrophysics And Cosmology As Part Of Multidisciplinary Approaches To Liberal Arts Courses Addressing “The Big Questions” Of Human Experience, Joseph C. Wesney

Physics Faculty Publications

There is an opportunity to bring college students to the exploration of the grandeur and wonder of the universe through the design and crafting of courses for the university and liberal arts curricula that would develop multidisciplinary perspectives within the frames of reference of astrophysics and cosmology. There is broad interest within colleges and universities to provide courses that examine “The Big Questions” of human experience from a variety of perspectives. The study of the history of discoveries and insights that we have gained through the development of astrophysics and cosmology provides course options for students to use to explore …

Changing Perceptions Of Science In Undergraduate Students: A Mixed Methods Case Study, Cindy S. Larson-Miller

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this bounded single-case study was to explore the understanding of the nature and process of science for undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The study investigated one professor’s methodology to explicitly teach undergraduate students about the nature and process of science, and documented their understanding and perception of science, both pre- and post-course.

Using a mixed method approach, data were collected to provide a better understanding of teaching the nature and process of science. Three main types of data were analyzed: the process of science (TPOS) assessment; survey questions, and the module curriculum.

Participating students …

Matlab Based Algorithm To Find The Remaining State Of Charge, Ishrat Khatoon, Bhaskar Saha, Kai Goebe

STAR Program Research Presentations

Li-ion batteries are one of the most common rechargeable batteries used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, military operations and aerospace applications such as electric air-crafts, spacecrafts, space rovers, robots, etc. Failure of these batteries could lead to reduced performance, operational impairment and even catastrophic failure, especially in aerospace systems. Monitoring the remaining state of charge (RSOC) of these batteries would greatly improve the reliability of the systems powered by them and will ultimately lengthen their lifetimes. NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft was lost due to battery failure. Hence, it is very important to find the RSOC of the batteries in …

Teaching Mathematics: Using Research-Informed Strategies, Peter Sullivan

Australian Education Review

AER 59 reviews research into aspects of mathematics teaching, focusing on issues relevant to Australian mathematics teachers, to those who support them, and also to those who make policy decisions about mathematics teaching. It was motivated by and draws on the proceedings of the well-attended and highly successful ACER Research Conference Teaching mathematics? Make it count: What research tells us about effective mathematics teaching and learning, held in Melbourne in August 2010.

Section 2 describes the goals of teaching mathematics and argues that a practical orientation should be the focus of mathematics teaching in the compulsory years, and outlines …

Does The Use Of A Graphing Calculator Tutorial Affect The Attitudes, Achievement, And Calculator Ability Of Non-Mathematics Majors In A Calculus Course?, Kari Michelle Everett

Dissertations

The use of graphing calculators in a mathematics classroom is becoming more common place. Teaching with technology has allowed for advancements in the rapidity with which students learn and the degree to which they retain the material taught. As a result, teachers have time to delve more deeply into mathematical topics that might otherwise have merely been touched upon.

This study shows the effects of a graphing calculator tutorial for non-mathematics major students taking calculus as a required course. Qualitative methods were used in order to provide information about the types of students taking a calculus course for nonmathematic students. …

Factors That Contribute To Persistence And Retention Of Underrepresented Minority Undergraduate Students In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem), Sidney Kirk Mitchell

Dissertations

The objective of this research was to identify specific factors that contribute to underrepresented minority (African American, Hispanic, Native American) undergraduate students‟ success in STEM disciplines at a regional university during the 2007-2010 timeframe. As more underrepresented minority (URM) students complete STEM degrees, many will possess the skills to become part of the domestic human capital needed to meet U. S. workforce demands and enhance the nation‟s STEM innovation. According to Burke and Mattis (2007), the lack of URM students in STEM education and in the workforce is one of the major contributors to STEM shortages in the United States. …

Investigating Macroscopic, Submicroscopic, And Symbolic Connections In A College-Level General Chemistry Laboratory, Felicia Culver Thadison

Dissertations

Explanations of chemical phenomena rely on understanding the behavior of submicroscopic particles. Because this level is “invisible,” it is described using symbols such as models, diagrams and equations. For this reason, students often view chemistry as a “difficult” subject. The laboratory offers a unique opportunity for the students to experience chemistry macroscopically as well as symbolically. The purpose of this investigation was to determine how chemistry lab students explained chemical phenomenon on the macroscopic, submicroscopic, and representational/symbolic level. The participants were undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory level general chemistry lab course. Students’ background information (gender, the number of previous …

Investigating The Effects Of Addition With Regrouping Strategy Instruction Among Elementary Students With Learning Disabilities, Christi Miller Carmack

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many students, specifically those with learning disabilities, struggle to master foundational computation skills such as addition with regrouping. With this in mind, the purpose of this research was to examine the effects of strategy instruction that involved the use of the concrete-representational-abstract teaching sequence on the addition with regrouping computation and word problem-solving skills of students with learning disabilities. This study involved the use of a multiple probe across participants design with two replications. The participants included nine second through sixth graders who had been identified as having a learning disability and were demonstrating mathematics difficulties. There were three females …

Incorporating Case Studies Into An Undergraduate Genetics Course, Marlene Murray

Faculty Publications

Genetics is considered one of the most challenging courses in the biology curricula at both the secondary and post secondary levels. Case based teaching has been shown to improve student perception and performance outcomes in both non-science and science courses. Thus in an effort to improve outcomes, case studies were integrated into an undergraduate genetics course as a supplement to lecture and replacement to recitation. Student perception and performance when case studies were used was compared to two previous years before the incorporation of case studies. Student course evaluations, pre and post surveys of student knowledge, and exam scores indicated …

Pisa And The ‘Latest Model’: Can An International Survey Have Anything Useful To Say To Canberra’S Mathematics Teachers?, Ross Turner

Ross Turner

A Mathematician Weighs In On The Evolution Debate, Kris H. Green

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

There are a variety of reasons underlying the lack of public acceptance for the theory of evolution in the United States. An overlooked cause is related to problems with the mathematics curriculum in the K-12 setting. In this essay, we examine this relationship and propose changes to the mathematics curriculum that could improve mathematical thinking while also providing a basis for understanding theories, like evolution, that are poorly understood.

On Doing Mathematics, Sue Vanhattum

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Who is a mathematician? What does it mean to do mathematics? I discuss my process in solving a math problem, and what it meant to me.

Covariant Representations Of C*-Dynamical Systems Involving Compact Groups, Firuz Kamalov

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Given a C*-dynamical system (A, G, σ) the crossed product C*-algebra A x _σG encodes the action of G on A. By the universal property of A x _σG there exists a one to one correspondence between the set all covariant representations of the system (A, G, σ) and the set of all *-representations of A x _σG. Therefore, the study of representations of A x _σG is equivalent to that of covariant representations of (A, G, σ).

We study induced covariant representations of systems involving compact groups. We prove that every irreducible (resp. factor) covariant …

Computational Insight With Monte Carlo Simulations, Boyan Kostadinov

Publications and Research

We introduce Monte Carlo simulations for estimating areas by playing a game of "darts". We also introduce simulations of random walks. We use compact, vectorized programming, based on the R language, for all computer simulations and visualizations, aimed at high school students. This presentation is based on the Invited, prime time lecture given at the summer camp for gifted high school students at City College of New York, July 13, 2011.

Embedding Lifelong Learning Skills Into A First-Year Engineering Course Through Introduction Of An Independent Research Project And Information Literacy Skills, Chris Plouff, Debbie Morrow

Chris Plouff

This paper reports on a work in progress to address ABET program outcome ‘i’ (“graduates have a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning”) in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs (mid-size, undergraduate engineering program) at a large Master’s-granting university in the mid-western United States. One performance criterion used by the programs to assess program outcome ‘i’ is the ability to find, evaluate, and effectively use information independently. This concept is introduced in the first-year of the programs, and is reinforced in an intentional thread throughout the curriculum, culminating with the senior capstone …

How Student Positioning Can Lead To Failure In Inquiry-Based Classrooms, Kelly Beatrice Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to improve mathematics instruction, I studied how the positions students choose or are pressed to take on can lead to failure in an inquiry-based classroom. Positioning refers to the temporary roles that a student or a teacher can place each other in or take on in a given classroom environment. Since positions are constructed and maintained by language use, I drew from positioning theory and discourse theory for my theoretical framework. From analyzing transcripts of classroom episodes and interviews with the teacher and a student, I identified common positions that the teacher and the student took on. …

Parts Of The Whole: An Algebra Lesson, Dorothy Wallace

Numeracy

This column draws on research of Eon Harper to demonstrate how an understanding of his proposed stages of algebra acquisition would inform a systemic overhaul of algebra education. Harper's stages also explain why students may pass a series of algebra courses yet still be unable to make sense of calculus, as well as offering insight on what aspects of algebra support quantitative literacy.

Reducing Math Anxiety: Findings From Incorporating Service Learning Into A Quantitative Reasoning Course At Seattle University, Allison Henrich, Kristi Lee

Numeracy

How might one teach mathematics to math-anxious students and at the same time reduce their math anxiety? This paper describes what we found when we incorporated a service learning component into a quantitative reasoning course at Seattle University in Fall 2010 (20 students) and Spring 2011 (28 students). The course is taken primarily by humanities majors, many of whom would not take a course in math if they didn’t need to satisfy the university’s core requirement. For the service learning component, each student met with and tutored children at local schools for 1-2 hours per week (total about 15 service …