Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Mutualism As Mutual Trust: An Ethnographic Case Study On An Elementary-School Teacher-Team Participation In A Science Pd Program, Olga Gould-Yakovleva, Xiufeng Liu

The Qualitative Report

This grounded in social constructivism yearlong ethnographic case study was conducted at the final stage of a larger, longitudinal, multisite, and multi-year project. The current research focused on a group of urban public elementary schoolteachers who volunteered to participate in the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded interdisciplinary science and engineering partnership (ISEP) project. These teachers were enrolled in the professional development (PD) college courses in physics and engineering design, summer research in university laboratories, and interdisciplinary science inquiry (ISI) pedagogy sessions. This research sought to understand the factors which contributed to successful teamwork at the elementary school under investigation. Additionally, this …

“That Cross-Curricular Business”: The Engineering Design Process In Mathematics And Science Classrooms, Eugenia Vomvoridi-Ivanovic, Tonisha B. Lane, Leia K. Cain, Salam Ahmad, Selene Willis, Jonathan E. Gaines

The Qualitative Report

The engineering design process (EDP) is one tool teachers can use to facilitate STEM integration. As part of a larger three-year longitudinal research project regarding engineering identity development among middle school youth in a summer robotics outreach program, this study aims to understand teachers’ willingness to incorporate engineering design in their classrooms through an exploration of their perceptions of the EDP, its applications to their subject matter and classroom context, methods of enacting the EDP, and perceived challenges to and supports for doing so. We conducted a qualitative case study and drew our results from focus groups and semi-structured interviews …

Conflict And Choice Of Study At University Level: Evidence From Pakistan, Abbas Ali Gillani, Xiaocheng Hu

Peace and Conflict Studies

Conflict, and violence related events have been found to have significant effects on the cognitive thinking and mental well-being of individuals. Although there is ample evidence suggesting negative association of conflict with schooling outcomes, there is non-existent research on how violence can impact degree choices made by students at the university level. By using university level admissions data between 2014 and 2016 from Pakistan, this paper examines the differential in preference for degree choices of students who live in conflict-affected areas compared to students who live in conflict-free areas. The results show that students exposed to violence were less likely …

Which Modality Best Promotes Student Achievement In College Algebra, Stephen W. Selby, Jim Swick

Transformations

The exploration of three modalities (Face-to-Face instruction, Hybrid instruction, and Online Only instruction) of learning College Algebra was the purpose of this study. The classes for this study were from the same instructor, during the same semester, during restrictions due to the Covid-19 virus in 2020. The Face-to-Face instruction had 150 minutes of class instruction each week. The Hybrid class had 75 minutes of class instruction each week and the Online Only students had no classroom instruction each week. There were 21 students in the face-to-face class, 32 students in the hybrid section, and 66 students in the online section. …

Math Anxiety Research Paper, Daniella M. Tartaro

Transformations

Math anxiety can be characterized as feelings of apprehension or distress that individuals experience when faced with tasks or activities associated with mathematics. Due to its prevalence, math anxiety is a growing issue for teachers who seek to uplift and prioritize the comfort, well-being and success of their students. Failure to address math anxiety can significantly hinder a student’s learning, lower their academic performance, and negatively cloud their overall attitude towards mathematics. In gathering and sorting resources associated with prevailing positions regarding math apprehension, this paper aims to explore math anxiety’s impact on students' learning, and the benefit of collaborative …

Identity Transformation Through Transformative Learning: Nepali Mathematics Educators' Perspectives, Tara Paudel, Bal Chandra Luitel, Niroj Dahal

Transformations

This paper reflects the perspective of identity transformation of mathematics educators through the lens of transformative learning, foregrounded on Tara’s doctoral research journey. The process of identity transformation seeks to foster reformative skills at various levels by altering individuals and their identities. This is achieved by posing questions about the past that challenge deeply ingrained assumptions, beliefs, values, and perspectives. Therefore, this paper’s focus is on how transformative learning facilitates a shift in identity. This issue signifies a theoretical void that warrants further investigation. Consequently, this paper examines identity transformations through the theories and lens of transformative learning. In doing …

Breaking The Math Anxiety Code: Fostering Einstein Intelligence For The Ability To Change And Adapt, Joseph M. Furner

Transformations

Math anxiety impacts the future of people. It is critical that students in school before graduating, come to terms with such anxiety and gain confidence in mathematics. Einstein speaks of his own issues with math and talks about how important it is for us to be able to change and adapt and how this is a true measure of our intelligence. The author believes that as students feel less anxious about, and more confident in their abilities to do math their performance will improve. As math test scores are often a concern for principals, teachers, and society at large, success …

How Math Anxiety Affects Educational Trajectories, Whitney M. Perkins

Transformations

Abstract

Math anxiety is a significant problem, affecting numerous people of all ages worldwide. Through my research, I found what a debilitating issue it can become. Having math anxiety affects academic performance, class selections, college decisions and even career choices. The cause is still unknown, but many researchers believe that the dynamics between the students and teachers or students and their parents can have a great impact. Females are disproportionately more affected by math anxiety, partly because of past societal norms with gender stereotyping. There are steps educators can take to lessen the degree of math anxiety present in their …

Use Of Technology In Mathematics Lessons, Shabana Ahmad

Transformations

Abstract

The influence of new technology is one of the most powerful forces driving today's development and evolution of mathematics and math education. The use of technology in the classroom is believed to enhance students' academic performance and attitudes toward learning in today's environment. Technology-integrated math lessons encourage student participation in the learning process, making learning more enjoyable and appealing for the students. As Smaldino et al. (2005) noted, the use of technology in instruction enhances not only the learning capabilities of students but also their motivation, thus, students are more engaged in the learning process. Furthermore, it is thought …

Creating Mandalas For World Peace While Incorporating Mathematics, Art, Literature, Writing, And Technology, Joseph M. Furner

Transformations

Across the USA there are more and more students whose parents are from around the world. It is important teachers can effectively teach mathematics to reach all students, particularly those with limited English proficiency, while establishing interdisciplinary and cultural connections and even working toward world peace. The purpose of this paper is to share how a class of students from an elementary school in South Florida with their teacher created mandalas to teach mathematics, art, writing, and even world peace to their students. Math teachers should strive to bridge the cultural gap among all students by incorporating innovative ideas as …

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Propuesta De Un Modelo De Enseñanza En Las Matemáticas Enfocado En La Solución De Problemas En El Nivel Secundario En Puerto Rico, Carlos J. Colon Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

El propósito del estudio fue proponer un modelo educativo enfocado en la solución de problemas matemáticos en el nivel secundario, y se realizó la revisión sistemática para evaluarlo. El marco teórico incluyó teorías heurísticas y modelos educativos. La metodología de seis fases que se empleó en este estudio, incluyendo la formulación de preguntas investigativas, búsqueda de literatura, selección de investigaciones, levantamiento de información, análisis y resumen de resultados y exposición y discusión de estos. Se siguieron guías para revisiones sistemáticas y criterios de inclusión y exclusión para evaluar la efectividad de modelos didácticos en la disciplina de matemáticas con énfasis …

The Evolution Of Science Education In High School And Undergraduate Institutions, Sanda Lalicic

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

This literature review paper discusses the history, evolution, and current learning trends related to teaching biology in a 9-12 classroom, along with the history and evolution and suggestions for improvement and implementation. Science education has changed rapidly over the past few decades, and with modern technology and research available, the curriculum is ever-changing. With the medical and STEM fields growing at high rates, the focus on student comprehension and retention of science education is at an all-time high. This has caused a shift from a traditional classroom to a more modern, natural learning environment in schools. This paper reviews three …

Analysis Of Attitudinal Student Learning Benefits From A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure) Adapted For Online Format, Ambika Kapil, Luis C. Gonzalez Isoba, Niraj Pathak, Arthur Sikora, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are an increasingly utilized model for exposing students to research. The lack of robust assessments is a major hurdle to wider adoption of CUREs. The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a drastic shift of in-person courses to the online format. Using the Participant Perception Indicator (PPI) survey, we measured students’ self-reported changes in learning from such a biochemistry course at a large university in south Florida based on the Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab (BASIL) model. By doing this, we were able to better understand the student-benefits of CUREs and how these benefits …

Preparing Faculty Using An Assessment For How Clinical Laboratory Students Learn, Maryanne Stewart, Ronette Chojnacki

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students interpret and learn information in different ways. Whether students develop deep or surface learning depends in large part on the transmission of information from their educator, which activates their domains of learning. Knowing students’ learning styles as either visual, auditory, psychomotor, or mixed, professors can develop teaching resources that benefit the learning diversity of their students by using different instructional delivery methods. This study examines survey results for how students learn best to enhance the student experience within the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program at a university in Detroit, MI, USA. Method: To determine the resources needed …

Effective Math Manipulatives To Use With The B.E.S.T. Standards In Grades K-6, Katharine E. Eby

Transformations

The focus for this research paper was to explore which math manipulatives are the most effective for each strand of the B.E.S.T. standards. The review of literature provided information about the history of math manipulatives, what are math manipulatives, B.E.S.T. standards, and the six strands. A review of the most commonly used math manipulatives was part of the literature viewed during the research process in order to see how those manipulatives can be connected to the B.E.S.T. standards, so that students can effectively understand more abstract concepts.

Using Cooperative Learning To Teach Mathematics To Help Promising Ell And All Students Develop Social Skills: A Case Study, Dr Joseph M. Furner

Transformations

This paper shares the story of Jung and how a gifted young student in mathematics learns social skills and shares knowledge and also helps to improve his own learning of the English language while sharing his understanding of mathematics with others. Students working together in math classrooms all benefit in many ways including language acquisition, problem solving, math achievement, social skills, cultural differences, and a shared sense of community in a classroom, when all working together for a goal in learning mathematics while also learning social skills so to fit in better within society. Cooperative learning plays a critical role …

Propensities By Grade Of Math Anxiety Levels K-12: Addressing Mathematics Dispositions And How Manipulatives May Help, Joseph M. Furner, Christine M. Higgins

Transformations

Math anxiety remains a critical issue affecting student performance and confidence across grade levels throughout the world today. This paper looks at the impact of math anxiety and how students’ dispositions toward math from a leadership perspective and the real hinderance for them as learners in life in a STEM world. The paper shares data from a K-12 school on math anxiety levels and offers insights from a school principal who has served K-12 levels where math anxiety and discomfort levels of math are seen across the spectrum. This paper provides much research and recommendations of best practices for teaching …

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Volume 8 Issue 1, December 2022

A Snapshot Of Science Education During Covid-19 In The Spring Of 2021, Lily Bentley

The Qualitative Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many unique challenges on our education system. Unpacking the many issues that educators faced will allow researchers to understand some of the impacts that resulted from this unique phenomenon. This exploratory qualitative research study sought to understand how science educators and administrators made sense of science instruction during the spring of 2021. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and online observations with ten K-12 science teachers and four administrators across two different counties within Virginia. Thematic coding was employed to analyze the findings, and results were validated through member checking with participants. Participants shared that …

Science Learning From The School Garden Through Participatory Action Research In Nepal, Kamal Prasad Acharya, Chitra Bahadur Budhathoki, Milan Acharya

The Qualitative Report

Nepal's NORHED/Rupantaran project designed and developed participatory action research through school gardening. This study explored the ways for the community schools, science teachers and basic level (grade five to eight) students to foster a sense of agency in the school science curriculum through life-based experiential learning. Qualitative research design on thematic and verbatim methods are used to collect and analyze the data in this study. The findings show that school gardening activities are helpful and productive for science teaching and learning. The evidence from participatory action research experiences in actual school settings would provide new insights for policymakers to transform …

Embracing A Culture Of Stem Education: A Qualitative Research Study, Katie L. Laux

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study was to explore teacher and administrator perspectives on STEM education and how they demonstrate characteristics of STEM education. The five schools in this study are part of a greater network of elementary, middle, and high schools that collaborate and learn together. Data were collected through interviews with teachers and administrators and observational notes from meetings and other events. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and then coded to look for themes in the data. Findings indicate teachers and administrators view a supportive leadership, teacher buy in, and comfort in teaching STEM as essential to the implementation …

Teaching And Assessing College Stem Courses Online During Covid-19: Evidence-Based Strategies And Recommendations, Santanu De, Georgina Arguello

FDLA Journal

Since the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, most schools, colleges, and universities worldwide underwent a paradigm shift by transitioning to digital teaching and learning modalities. This phenomenon was essential to mitigate the contagion; however, the academic institutions needed to quickly come up with ways to ensure that the quality and rigor of education were maintained, especially the active and experiential learning required by undergraduate and graduate courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This paper highlights key approaches reported or proposed to effectively conduct college-level, in-person STEM courses online owing to the pandemic. These would range from synchronous versus asynchronous pedagogies …

Mapping A Language(S) Journey In Science; From Learning Biology To Teaching Biology: An Autoethnography, Primani S. Fernando, Maria Gindidis Dr, Rebecca Cooper Dr.

The Qualitative Report

This paper focuses on my experience as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) student in the context of multiple emigrations and investigates the formation of my identity as an EAL science student, science Education researcher, and science teacher. The study was guided by both my innate curiosity and the research question that sought to explore which factors significantly affected my journey of developing my English language and science knowledge based on my experience as an EAL student. The second and third authors acted as critical friends to provide a layer of reliability to the study. Within the autoethnography methodology …

Environmental Topics In Physics By Inquiry Course: Integration Models Used By Physics Teachers, David A. Kimori, Gillian Roehrig

The Qualitative Report

As we approach the second quarter of the twenty-first century, one may predict the environment will be among the dominant themes in political and educational discourse. This study investigates how three physics teachers integrated environmental topics and issues in their classroom. Data collection methods including field notes taken from observations, teachers’ interviews, and a collection of artifacts and documents were used. The data were coded, analyzed, and organized into categories utilizing Fogarty’s models of curriculum integration. Findings of this study indicate teachers acknowledge the importance of teaching environmental issues in their classrooms; however, implementing and utilizing effective integration strategies and …

A Composite Textual Phenomenological Approach To Cures Versus Traditional Laboratory Experiences, Amie S. Sommers, Dana Richter-Egger, Christine E. Cutucache

The Qualitative Report

Here we present unique perspectives from undergraduate students (n=3) in STEM who have taken both a traditional laboratory iteration and a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) iteration of the same introductory chemistry course. CUREs can be effective models for integrating research in courses and fostering student learning gains. Via phenomenological interviews, we asked students to describe the differences in their perspectives, feelings, and experiences between a traditional lab guided by a lab manual and a CURE. We found that (i.) critical thinking/problem solving, (ii.) group work/collaboration, (iii.) student-led research questions and activities, and (iv.) time management are the top four …

An Autoethnographic Self-Study Navigating The Transition To Becoming A Stem Teacher Educator, Miriam Hamilton Dr

The Qualitative Report

This paper reports on a self-study where I take an autoethnographic stance in narrating my cultural origins, trajectory and identities as a teacher turned teacher educator working in the field of education in Ireland. Using self-study, I explore how my habitus has influenced my experiences of being a biology teacher at second level to teaching STEM education on initial teacher education programmes. Autoethnographic self-study is the hybrid approach used to describe and systematically analyse my experiences and learning as I struggle with a transitioning identity. The integrated use of both self-study and autoethnographic approaches enabled a deepened understanding of my …

Don’T Count – Count On Visual Perception!, Klaus Rödler Dr.

Transformations

Verbal counting is the first step in the child‘s number building and this is why it seems natural to start arithmetic in school based on this competence. Under a cultural historical view, the development of number does not start with verbal counting but rather with ‚concrete counting‘. Number words and the number word sequence developed after experience with concrete numbers.

This article describes the roots, basics, and first practical steps of a didactics based on perception rather than on verbal counting.

This proposed change allows inclusive lessons that prevent all students from misunderstanding calculation as a quick or clever form …

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An Alternative Sudoku Puzzle With Letters While Addressing Math Anxiety, Joseph M. Furner Ph.D.

Transformations

Math anxiety remains a critical issue affecting student performance and confidence across grade levels throughout the world. This paper looks at the impact of math anxiety on students and also how using letters instead of numbers with Sudoku puzzles can perhaps alleviate math anxiety and number anxiety as an alternative to doing Sudoku puzzles and turning students on to the logic of magic squares and Sudoku puzzles. This paper shares data on math anxiety levels by grade level from a study, provides some examples of some Sudoku puzzles with Greek letters and our English alphabet along with much research, and …