Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Overcoming Challenges In Assessing Mathematical Reasoning, Sandra Herbert

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Despite mathematical reasoning being necessary for in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts, many teacher experience difficulty in assessing it. Data were collected from 34 primary teachers at 4 Victorian government schools at two post- lesson reflective sessions following lessons with a focus on reasoning. These sessions facilitated teachers’ collaborative efforts to assess their students’ reasoning from students’ work samples. The data included transcripts of all the reflective sessions; written work samples; and associated completed rubrics. Analysis of these data enabled identification of seven challenges teachers experienced in assessing reasoning: Limited guidance provided by curriculum documents; Teachers’ knowledge of reasoning; Teacher noticing …

La Realite Du Phenomene De Competence Dans Le Systeme Didactique Libanais, Nawal Abou Raad

Al Jinan الجنان

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à la réalité du phénomène de compétence dans le système didactique libanais, et plus particulièrement au programme des mathématiques de la classe EB1. D’abord, nous procèderons par une revue historique sur les différentes approches du curriculum libanais des mathématiques en comparant leurs objectifs. Nous parlerons de l’introduction d’un terme nouveau dans les objectifs du curriculum, celui de compétences. Nous chercherons
en particulier, à savoir pourquoi les compétences occupent une place centrale dans notre système didactique.
Nous étudierons l’organisation des contenus mathématiques du programme et du manuel de la classe d’EB1 dans une fin de …

Unit #4: Playing With Code - Remote Learning Activities, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Little STEAMers: Early Learning Program

No abstract provided.

Elementary Teachers’ Experiences With Remote Learning And Its Impact On Science Instruction: Multiple Cases From The Early Response To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Beth Pesnell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Teachers across the United States and worldwide found themselves in unprecedented educational situations during the early response period to the COVID-19 pandemic in spring of 2020. Efforts to quarantine and provide social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease brought mandated school closures throughout the United States, and teachers were required to pivot from their traditional, in-person instructional methods and deliver instruction remotely. This phenomenological multiple-case study explored the experiences of 10 elementary teachers with remote learning during the early response period and sought to understand the delivery of science instruction in the remote learning experience. Weekly interviews were …

Culturally Responsive Science Education And Teaching: Current Literature, Preservice Elementary Science Teachers And Lesson Planning, Lundon Pinneo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

First, a meta-analysis of Culturally Responsive (CR) science teaching characteristics and practices was conducted. Findings revealed that there are a limited number of CR teaching studies at the elementary science level. When studies conducted at the middle, secondary and postsecondary level were included, six themes which encompassed the characteristics and pedagogical practices of effective CR science teachers and teacher development emerged. These themes were academics, cultural competency, social inequities, CR learning environment, rejection of the deficit lens and pedagogical strategies.

Next, the impact of curriculum and practices designed to reflect these six themes on preservice elementary science teachers was explored. …

Unit #3: Simple Machines - Remote Learning Activities, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Little STEAMers: Early Learning Program

No abstract provided.

An Evaluative Study Of The Rural Elementary Teachers’ Perspective On The Partnership Between Rural Public Elementary Schools And Nebraska Extension, Tammera Mittelstet

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

Science education reform is a new reality for Elementary Teachers who have found themselves in a paradigm shift as Nebraska implements its NCCRS-S standards. This reform and implementation process might benefit from the support of Nebraska Extension. The purpose of this evaluative study was twofold: (a) determine elementary teachers' awareness, current use, and future recommendations regarding extension resources in Nebraska’s rural elementary schools and (b) inform guidelines for future development of community partnerships and distribution of Nebraska Extension resources for elementary science instruction.

Data for this study was gathered using Qualtrics and was analyzed with SPSS version 27 software. The …

Growth Mindset And Its Impact On Math Performance In Third Grade, Alicia Wenger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research is to describe the effects of the application of daily growth mindset lessons upon the accuracy and level of work completion in math assessments. Participants included the researcher’s class of 13 third grade students from a small rural Midwest school district. Students participated in a daily growth mindset lesson intervention for a period of 4 weeks. Data was collected using math assessments and growth mindset surveys. The results concluded that although students can develop an improvement in mindset with intervention, it does not always directly correlate to the improvement of math accuracy and work …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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

Little STEAMers: Early Learning Program

No abstract provided.

Supporting Science Learning For English Language Learners, Judith Morrison, Yuliya Ardasheva, Sarah Newcomer, Lindsay Lightner, Gisela Ernst-Slavit, Kira Carbonneau

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study focused on two fourth-grade science classrooms with English learners (ELs), exploring how teachers supported students’ science and language/literacy learning in different language contexts. Three a priori research-based practices recommended for supporting science learning framed our exploration: (a) negotiation, opportunities for individual and social construction and critique of knowledge; (b) embedded language, opportunities for language and literacy learning as a natural aspect of science; and (c) non-threatening learning environments, opportunities for social apprenticeship and interaction. We provide insights into how science instructional practices supported ELs’ science and language learning. One key implication is that enacting these three principles of …

Star Stuff: Romantic Understanding Of Elementary Science And Mathematics Through Imaginative Steam Learning, Richard Cox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) is an avenue through which engagement in elementary science and mathematics can deepen in line with reform documents (Bush & Cook, 2018; Bush & Cook, 2019; Quigley & Herro, 2016). This formative and design experimental (Reinking & Bradley, 2008) study explored how, in a STEAM Lab context, curriculum intentionally made more imaginative through the use of a set of cognitive tools (Hadzigeorgiou, Klassen & Klassen, 2011) might result in Romantic Understanding of elementary science and mathematics content. Three research questions guided the research: 1) In what ways does STEAM curriculum connect …

Exploring 3-5 Grade Teachers' Self-Efficacy With Inquiry-Based Science Instruction, Sarah Laden

Undergraduate Research Journal

From an early age, teachers should expose students to high-quality STEM education to allow them to explore and discover phenomena. In order to prepare students, teachers must be able to assist students and facilitate the inquiry process. Unfortunately, elementary teachers often have low self-efficacy regarding inquiry-based science and resort to instruction that is not supported by research. A survey was given to third through fifth grade teachers at a small, suburban, mid-western school district to measure their self-efficacy regarding inquiry-based science. The teachers responded to questions that asked them to rank themselves on several skills that are required to teach …

Learning To Transform, Transforming To Learn: Children’S Creative Thinking With Fractions, Higinio Dominguez, Sandra Crespo, Tamara Del Valle, Melissa Adams, Megan Coupe, Gustavo Gonzalez, Yordhan Ormazabal

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this paper we contribute an alternative conceptualization of creativity by highlighting movement as creating spatial and temporal dimensions that are important to make sense of creativity in children mathematical thinking. Using data from an international collaboration between two teaching-research teams from the United States and Chile, we trace how children mobilized their social bodies, materials, tools, images, metaphors, languages, and improvisations in order to make sense of the concept of fractions. Based on these findings we offer a number of discussion points that highlight the importance of creating these kinds of learning spaces, the role of tasks in promoting …

Blended Learning Showing Gains, Jessica Lynn Becker

Graduate Teacher Education

In light of what is known about how children learn and the use of technology in society, blended learning is proving to be an effective teaching strategy to improve student academic achievement. Blended learning is a combination of digital technology with face-to-face direct instruction. The purpose of blended learning instruction is to combine the benefits of face-to-face direct instruction with the personalization and collaboration of digital technology. Blended learning comes in many different models that meet the many needs of teachers and school districts. It has succeeded in improving student academic achievement in different subject areas by allowing students to …

Patterns, An Approach To Learning Algebra And Developing Mathematical Thinking In Primary School In Honduras, Johana Elizabeth Thomas Zapata, Alejandra Cáceres

International Programs

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Schema-Based Instruction On Solving Mathematics Word Problems, Scarlet Hughes, Joshua Cuevas Dr.

Georgia Educational Researcher

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency with which students use math word problem strategies during and after schema-based instruction. It examines the extent to which students increase their ability to correctly solve word problems. It compares students’ attitudes toward mathematics problem solving before and after schema-based instruction. The study was conducted in a resource class with seven second-grade students on individualized education programs (IEPs). A single-subject research design was used. The schema-based instruction was implemented by the special education teacher in a small group setting. Students showed an increase in attempted and correct strategy use during …

The Effects Of Project Lead The Way Launch Curriculum On Elementary Girls’ Perception And Career Interests In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics, Mina Blazy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The United States has examined the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education since before the turn of the century. STEM educators are still having the conversation around why more women are not joining STEM pathways. Girls and boys as early as birth are curious about the world; through their own lens they learn about gravity from dropping spaghetti on the floor or seeing a small insect on the wall. As children get older they are influenced by the perceptions of their parents and peers.

This study looked at the perception and career interests of girls in STEM …

Math Talks: Focusing On Student Thought In A Second-Grade Classroom, Jessica Parsons

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

Math metacognition is on the rise. There is an increase in focusing student thought on the process of computation and problem solving. This study examined what happened when math talks were conducted in a general education second-grade classroom and if students’ perceptions of math changed after they participated in math talks. The researcher’s purpose was to more fully understand students’ thoughts related to math. The data was collected through student interviews, student surveys, and researcher observational field notes. Then, the data was analyzed through coding using the constant comparative method and frequency counts. The main themes to emerge from the …

Students' Attitudes Towards Standardized Testing: A Literature Review, Kelly Gard

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

Standardized testing is a task that all students must undertake during their educational careers. Standardized tests are large determinants to course placements, exceptionality placements, grades, school sanctions or rewards, and education policy. It is imperative that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed on standardized tests. However, bias, stress, and anxiety in standardized testing often hinders the opportunity for many students to excel on the tests.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the research conducted on standardized testing bias which includes the prevalence of testing bias as well as the causes and types of testing bias. …

Design Of A Shallow-Aero Ebb And Flow Hydroponics System And Associated Educational Module For Tri Cycle Farms, Julie Halveland

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Tri Cycle Farms, whose main mission is to reduce food insecurity in their community, is a non- profit urban farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The “Tri” in their name refers to the three parts of their foundation: giving a third of their yield to volunteers, giving a third to local food pantries, and selling a third to sustain the farm and demonstrate the economy of local food production. They want to expand on the third part and have a vision of building a hydroponic greenhouse with the intention that it will create more crops to sell and give, as well as …

Designing Stem Experiences For The Family In Order To Develop Stem Family Habitus And Capital, Soñia Galaviz

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Ethnic minority students and low-income students are grossly underrepresented in demonstrating interest and aspirations in science, evidence of science participation, and subsequent capital. Members of these populations do not often embrace a STEM identity or recognize that science, technology, engineering, and math are for them. While schools struggle to innovate in terms of how best to engage and increase aspirations and opportunities in STEM for these underrepresented populations, the family continues to be the most ignored contributor to a student’s STEM identity. Families play an important role in influencing their students’ attitudes, interests, aspirations, and achievements in STEM. While research …

The Benefit Of Test Preparation, Ryleigh Hufgard

Honors Projects

This action research project will explore different types of test preparation and how beneficial they are to students. This project looks at both quantitative and qualitative data. Despite the impact of COVID-19 and online schooling, conclusions were able to be made about the research project. These conclusions show that teacher-made review questions are quantitatively and qualitatively the most beneficial for students when preparing for tests.

“From School Of Crisis To Distinguished”: Using Maslow's Hierarchy In A Rural Underperforming School, Molly H. Fisher, Ben Crawford

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Faculty Publications

Despite conditions that would work against a small and rural school in an impoverish rural area of the United States, Fairway Elementary School has managed to excel in its accountability measures. Through interviews with faculty, staff, teachers, students, and parents of children at Fairway Elementary School a model was developed through the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It was found that a new administrator at the school started with the physiological needs of the children and are now working within the esteem stage of Maslow’s Hierarchy. Details from each stage of the hierarchy are provided as a promising practice …

Using Robots To Teach Mathematics To First-Grade Students: Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives, Alyssa Argila, Maryssa Leventhal

Transformations: Research Papers

Helping preservice teachers develop positive attitudes toward using new pedagogical practices requires engaging them in professional learning and teaching practice. In this study, 16 preservice teachers engaged in an intervention that focused on integrating robots to teach mathematics to a group of first-grade students. The mathematical tasks engaged first-grade students with concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, and identifying patterns. After the teaching experience, the preservice teachers responded to five open-ended questions that elicited their perceptions of using robots to teach mathematics to first-grade students. We conducted qualitative content analysis of teachers’ responses to identify common trends regarding teaching mathematics …

Preservice Teachers’ Strategies For Interpreting Fractions Represented In Discrete And Continuous Models, Victoria Webster

Transformations: Research Papers

Teaching and learning fractions have been a focus of research in mathematics education for decades. Current practices of teaching fractions emphasize the partitioning perspective, or part-whole, to conceptualize fractions. Another approach to teaching fractions is measurement. The part-whole approach limits students’ conceptualization of fractions and impedes learning improper fractions, whereas the measurement approach has the potential to overcome these difficulties and supports learning improper fractions. In this study, 55 preservice teachers engaged in an intervention to reexamine fractions using a measurement perspective. Before and after the intervention, the preservice teachers were asked to interpret proper and improper fractions using discrete …

Arguing About Science: Empowering Students And Developing Issue-Based Pedagogies Through Debate, Cynthia Deaton, Jacquelynn A. Malloy

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation will guide 4th-12th grade educators to engage students in using content area knowledge to solve real-world problems. Using an adaptation of policy debate, learners use facts and evidence gathered through their participation in Science and Engineering Practices to create resolutions to place-based issues that are occurring in their own communities.