Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Enhanced Visualization Instruction On First Grade Students' Scores On The North Carolina Standard Course Assessment, Amber Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Visualization was once thought to be an important skill for professions only related to engineering, but due to the realization of concurrent design and the fast pace of technology, it is now desirable in other professions as well. The importance of learning basic knowledge of geometrical concepts has a greater impact than it did prior to the 21st century. This study's purpose was to test the effect of enhanced visualization instruction on the visualization skills measured by the North Carolina standard course test for first grade students. This quasi-experimental study was conducted using the non-randomized subjects, non-equivalent control group design. …

Discovering And Developing Diverse Stem Talent: Enabling Academically Talented Urban Youth To Flourish, Stephanie Pace Marshall, Glenn W. "Max" Mcgee, Eric Mclaren, Catherine C. Veal

Eric McLaren

The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education, Plucker, Burroughs, and Song (2010) provided compelling evidence that "the presence of an excellence gap is demonstrated on both national and state assessments of student performance," with "economically disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and historically underprivileged minorities representing a smaller proportion of students scoring at the highest levels of achievement" (p. 28). Three "case stories" of students from IMSA illuminate some of the (a) challenges and opportunities inherent in igniting STEM talent in urban youth and ensuring their success; (b) principles for designing and creating learning experiences and environments that ignite and nurture the …

Discovering And Developing Diverse Stem Talent: Enabling Academically Talented Urban Youth To Flourish, Stephanie Pace Marshall, Glenn W. "Max" Mcgee, Eric Mclaren, Catherine C. Veal

Glenn W. "Max" McGee

The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education, Plucker, Burroughs, and Song (2010) provided compelling evidence that "the presence of an excellence gap is demonstrated on both national and state assessments of student performance," with "economically disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and historically underprivileged minorities representing a smaller proportion of students scoring at the highest levels of achievement" (p. 28). Three "case stories" of students from IMSA illuminate some of the (a) challenges and opportunities inherent in igniting STEM talent in urban youth and ensuring their success; (b) principles for designing and creating learning experiences and environments that ignite and nurture the …

Learning Public Health Through Civic Issues, Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

This course is organized around current challenging health issues, such as mandatory immunization, childhood obesity, health insurance, tobacco control, etc. Activities included issues-focused debates, lecture and video presentations, case study discussions, and guest speakers. Students completed fifteen hours of community-based service learning, many in the Lawrence Math-Science Partnership, an outreach program in which undergraduates work on after-school STEM enrichment activities with middle-school students. Several activities complemented the course issues, allowing college students to make connections between course theory and community needs, while engaging middle-school students in important public health concepts. The SENCER-SALG assessment (N=189/192 (98%) of enrolled students) indicated that …

Planting The Seeds Of Computational Thinking: An Introduction To Programminsuitable For Inclusion In Stem Curriculag, Eric A. Freudenthal, Art Duval, Sarah Hug, Alexandria N. Ogrey, Kien H. Lim, Catherine Tabor, Rebeca Q. Gonzalez, Alan Siegel

Kien H Lim

Inadequate math preparation discourages many capable students – especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups – from pursuing or succeeding in STEM academic programs. iMPaCT is a family of―"Media Propelled" courses and course enrichment activities that introduce students to―"Computational Thinking." iMPaCT integrates exploration of math and programmed computation by engaging students in the design and modification of tiny programs that render raster graphics and simulate familiar kinematics. Through these exercises, students gain experience and confidence with foundational math concepts necessary for success in STEM studies, and an understanding of programmed computation. This paper presents early results from our formal evaluation of …

Developing Teacher Leaders In Math And Science: Content Coaches Mentoring Teacher Leaders, Andrea Kent, Andre Green, Phillip Feldman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The AMSTI (Alabama Math Science Technology Initiative)-USA Fellows program, a collaboration between a university College of Education and Arts & Sciences, State Department of Education, and local school district, was created to develop Teacher Leaders in AMSTI Mathematics and Science. The specific focus of this research was to examine the mentoring provided to the Teacher Leaders Fellows, and to determine if the professional development provided to the teacher leaders helped them develop mentoring skills to mentor and coach the AMSTI teachers with whom they worked. At the completion of their Fellowship, these AMSTI-USA Fellows returned to become teacher leaders at …

Discovering And Developing Diverse Stem Talent: Enabling Academically Talented Urban Youth To Flourish, Stephanie Pace Marshall, Glenn W. "Max" Mcgee, Eric Mclaren, Catherine C. Veal

Publications & Research

The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education, Plucker, Burroughs, and Song (2010) provided compelling evidence that "the presence of an excellence gap is demonstrated on both national and state assessments of student performance," with "economically disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and historically underprivileged minorities representing a smaller proportion of students scoring at the highest levels of achievement" (p. 28). Three "case stories" of students from IMSA illuminate some of the (a) challenges and opportunities inherent in igniting STEM talent in urban youth and ensuring their success; (b) principles for designing and creating learning experiences and environments that ignite and nurture the …

The Role Of Program Climate And Socialization In The Retention Of Engineering Undergraduates, Heather Elizabeth Ureksoy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increasing women's participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can promote a healthy economy by ensuring a diverse and well-qualified STEM workforce, not only in the quantity of females in the workforce, but diversity in thinking and creativity. It will also send a positive message to young women about the breadth of educational opportunities and career choices they have available to them. However, women continue to participate in engineering education in a far lower rate than men. Attracting and retaining female students has become a challenging problem for the academic engineering community. In this study, a …

Developing Positive Self Concept And Self-Esteem As Panacea For Industrial Development And Harmony In A Work-Race, Hassan Modupe

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In today’s society, teachers must use a variety of strategies to reach all students when teaching mathematics. Classrooms today have many diverse learners, and teachers must be equipped to teach special education students, English Language Learners (ELL), and those served in inclusive classes. In order to reach the many needs of students today, teachers must be prepared with creative and research-based lessons and activities that will match the learning styles of all students. Teachers must be able to use teaching styles that adapt to students’ multiple intelligences. In order to teach to the diverse learning styles, teachers must get to …

Bridging The Mathematics Achievement Gap In Struggling Urban Schools, Marcia Heiman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

As a result of school reform efforts, many school districts report that gains have been made in students’ math scores in the elementary years. But America’s high-poverty middle and high schools remain in crisis. Beyond the elementary years, students in the nation’s high-poverty schools are failing. For example, despite years of school reform, math achievement in Detroit has declined in the last five years. For example, 25% of Detroit’s high school students scored proficiently on statewide math tests in 2004 – as compared with only 16% in the most recent reports. ( www.schoolmatters.com). At the end of high school, Hispanic …

Connecting Math And Science To Home, School And Community Through Preservice Teacher Education, Cherie Mccollough, Olga Ramirez

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The importance of parental involvement in enhancing the quality of their children’s educational experiences and academic success is well documented in the literature (Chrispeels & Rivero, 2001; Cordry & Wilson, 2004; Delgado-Gaitan, 2001; Dierking & Falk, 1994; Jones &Valdez, 1997; Quezada, Diaz, Sanchez, 2003; Valdes, 1996). Parent involvement results in higher reading scores, greater language growth and development, and increased motivation to achieve (Harvard Family Research Project, 2007). Parental involvement includes a wide range of activities from promoting the importance of education to participating in the decision-making and operations of schools. For maximum results, there should be some alignment between …

A National Study Of Baccalaureate Degree Completions In The Sciences: An Overview Of Institutional Success By Public, Private, And Proprietary, Tara Tietjen-Smith, Cheri Davis, Audrey Williams, Gloria Anderson

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The purpose of this study was to examine baccalaureate degree completions in the sciences within public, private, and proprietary higher education institutions by ethnicity to determine which educational sectors (and science categories) were producing more graduates, specifically minority graduates.

The Use Of Robotics, Gps And Gis Technologies To Encourage Stem-Oriented Learning In Youth, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk, Gwen Nugent, Bradley S. Barker, Neal Grandgenett

Teacher Education Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

In our technology rich world, the educational areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play an increasingly essential role in developing well-prepared specialists for the 21st century workplace. Unfortunately, interest in theses areas has been declining for a few decades. Various innovative educational initiatives in formal and informal learning environments have been undertaken nationally to attempt to encourage STEM-oriented learning. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the particular program described in this paper focuses on middle school youth in non-formal learning environments. The program integrates educational robotics, Global Positioning System (GPS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies to provide …

Women Entrepreneurship In Science And Technology: Impetus For Female Participation In National Development In Nigeria, O.O. Kalesanwo, J.B. Bilesanmi-Awoderu

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The role of women in national development cannot be over-emphasized. Also, the place of science and technology is central to national advancement. No doubt, a country’s level of Scientific and Technological advancement dictates the life style and future of her citizenry. This assertion made Wambusu (2005) to opine that science-led development is one of the major strategies in the war against what seems to be the African region’s endless hunger, poverty and ill-health. In addition, increased focus on formal and informal education, new technology, empowerment of women, gender, and sustainable development will undoubtedly bring the developing world closer to the …

Perceptual Chasm Between Industry And Academic Leaders On The Quality Of Higher Education, S. Rajasingh, B. Rajasekaran

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In the context of the Information Technology Revolution, Communication Explosion, the Knowledge Economy and Globalization, India’s production of Professionals is phenomenal. With over 300 Universities and 15,600 Colleges spewing out 2.5 million graduates each year, in terms of the volume of production India trails behind only the US and recently China. Each year India produces 350,000 Engineers, twice the number produced by the US. A recent evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes all over the world, conducted by a Shanghai university, has not a single Indian University in the world’s top 300 – China has six.

Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus) And Academically Gifted Black Students In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem): Discovering The Alchemy For Success, Fred A. Bonner Ii, Mary V. Alfred, Chance Lewis, Felicia Nave, Sherru Frizell

Fred A Bonner II

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Factors Influencing West Virginia Secondary Biology And Science Teacher Attrition Rates, Seth Perry

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The high rate of attrition for beginning teachers has been blamed on many factors. Nationally these include low pay, urban versus rural school settings, age, with younger teachers leaving sooner, and other variables making a complex problem with no clear component responsible for the loss of teachers. This study examined the self reported variables that contribute to high school teachers in West Virginia leaving their profession. An electronic survey instrument was distributed to current secondary teachers across the state. Teachers were asked to respond to questions related to professional satisfaction, perceived value from students and parents, administrative support, content versus …

Career Pathways And Demographic Profiles Of University Presidents In The U.S.: 2000-2008, Lourdes Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the career paths and profiles of contemporary university presidents. The study provided a broad perspective in terms of what institutions and governing boards are looking for when searching for a new president. It also helped to know the trends in those accepting these positions, namely education, career path, gender, and age. I I used the following questions to guide the focus of this study:

* RQ1. What are the demographic characteristics of current university presidents (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, and geography)?

* RQ2. What academic and …

Employment Patterns And Job Satisfaction Of Foreign-Born Science And Engineering Doctorate Recipients In The United States, Ketevan Mamiseishvili, Jill Hermsen

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Science and engineering fields are important to a nation’s economy, especially in the areas of innovation and technology development (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2007). The demand for scientists and engineers is increasing globally, making it more difficult for organizations to attract and retain qualified professionals in these fields as schools and industries compete on a global level for top talent (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2005). It is not surprising, then, that academia and industry are increasing their focus on the science and engineering workforce. Indeed, a recent National Academies report stated that “identifying the …

Blessed Unrest: The Power Of Unreasonable People To Change The World, Stephanie Pace Marshall

Publications & Research

In her keynote address at the 2008 NCSSSMST Professional Conference, Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall addresses what work can be done with the collective resources of its Consortium members which beg to be shared and connected--and also explores what the source of "...our Blessed Unrest that will give us the courage to become unreasonable advocates for our children and for STEM transformation?"

Leading In The Mathematics Classroom, Jon Warwick

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Within the United Kingdom (UK) higher education sector there has been a considerable amount of debate in recent years about the level of quantitative and literacy skills exhibited by students on entry to university courses. Indeed the UK government commissioned two major reports on the development of skills at school level in the post-14 age range focussing specifically on the development of quantitative skills (Roberts 2002; Smith 2004) since there has been a sustained year-on-year fall in the numbers of students opting to study mathematics, science, and engineering subjects at degree level. Coupled with this reluctance of students to specialise …

Depaul University Mathematics And Science Partnership Evaluation Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

The DePaul University IMSP was designed as a longitudinal cohort program. Two cohorts of up to 25 teachers each will be supported. The second cohort is offset by one calendar year. Each teacher will complete a sequence of 12 university graduate-level courses (48 quarter hours), over two and one-half years, leading to a Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE) degree. Thus, all successful participants will meet or exceed requirements of the designation “highly qualified” as described in the MSSE proposal quoted here.

“The Masters of Science in Science Education program is designed to provide rich content-based professional development of …

Depaul University Mathematics And Science Partnership Internal Evaluator's Interim Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

The DePaul University IMSP1 was designed as a longitudinal cohort program. Two cohorts of up to 25 teachers each will be supported. The second cohort is offset by one calendar year. Each teacher will complete a sequence of 12 university graduate-level courses (48 quarter hours), over two and one-half years, leading to a Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE) degree. Thus, all successful participants will meet or exceed requirements of the designation “highly qualified” as described in the MSSE proposal quoted here.

“The Masters of Science in Science Education program is designed to provide rich content-based professional development of …

The Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy Research And Dissemination Network Academic Year 2002-03 Final Report To The Smithsonian Institution, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

This document is a status report on the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s (IMSA) Research and Dissemination Network, which is funded as a contract with the Smithsonian Institution. In response to significant recent changes in project organization and activities, this report traces key developments of the project over its ten-year history. The report concludes with a summary of accomplishments during the current 2002-03 academic year.

Xavier University's Discovering Life Science Program Evaluation Final Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

This document is the final report of the external evaluation of the project entitled: Implementing Inquiry and Technology in a Biology Lab for Pre–service Teachers and Non-majors embodied in Xavier University’s laboratory course Biol-125: Discovering Life Science and funded under the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (HER.) award no. DUE#99-50373. The period of NSF funding for this two-year project of the NSF/HER/DUE Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Program was June 1, 1999 through May 31, 2001. There are several accomplishments that the University and the principal investigators can …

Report On The Elementary Teacher Survey Pilot Study On Behalf Of The Columbus Urban Systemic Initiative, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

This report completes the pilot study conducted by the Columbus Public Schools’ (CPS) Urban Systemic Initiative (USI)1 and the Center for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching in Mathematics Science and Technology (The Center@IMSA) of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). This initial pilot study was designed to test the Elementary Teacher Survey prepared by the USI Teacher Support Teams. A validation study, to follow in the spring, will seek evidence of program impact on teaching practices in science and mathematics classrooms. In other words, it will validate the findings of the Elementary Teacher Survey via direct classroom observation …