Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Documenting Current Instructional Design Practices: Towards A Typology Of Instructional Designer Activities, Roles, And Collaboration, William Sugar, Robert L. Moore

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The overall goal of this study was to conduct a yearlong inquiry into an instructional designer’s activities and interactions with his clients. Exclusive focus of this study was on an instructional designer who worked at a large public university in the southeastern region of the United States. Documented in an instructional design activities log, this study analyzed 115 distinct activities. Using an emergent theme analysis approach, specific instructional design activities and roles emerged. In addition, the instructional designer’s collaboration with his clients was analyzed. Results of this study augment the knowledge base of existing studies of instructional design practices.

A Pharmacology-Based Enrichment Program For Undergraduates Promotes Interest In Science, Elizabeth A. Godin, Stephanie V. Wormington, Tony Perez, Michael M. Barger, Kate E. Snyder, Laura S. Richman, Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom, Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

There is a strong need to increase the number of undergraduate students who pursue careers in science to provide the “fuel” that will power a science and technology–driven U.S. economy. Prior research suggests that both evidence-based teaching methods and early undergraduate research experiences may help to increase retention rates in the sciences. In this study, we examined the effect of a program that included 1) a Summer enrichment 2-wk minicourse and 2) an authentic Fall research course, both of which were designed specifically to support students' science motivation. Undergraduates who participated in the pharmacology-based enrichment program significantly improved their knowledge …

Understanding Angle And Angle Measure: A Design-Based Research Study Using Context Aware Ubiquitous Learning, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Mobile technologies are quickly becoming tools found in the educational environment. The researchers in this study use a form of mobile learning to support students in learning about angle concepts. Design-based research is used in this study to develop an empirically-substantiated local instruction theory about students' develop of angle and angle measure. This local instruction theory involves real-world connections and mobile technologies through a sub category of mobile learning called context-aware ubiquitous learning. Through a process of anticipation, enactment, evaluation, and revision, the local instruction theory was developed to include a theoretical contribution of how students come to understand angle …

Practitioner Perceptions Of School Library Advocacy, Elizabeth Burns

STEMPS Faculty Publications

School library advocacy is increasingly important due to decreases in funding and staff. National organizations attempt to engage school librarians in advocacy and have developed resources and tools to assist with this task. However, there is little research examining how practicing school librarians engage in advocacy and how their advocacy efforts impact their library programs. This study explored school librarians’ perceptions of advocacy within the context of their school library setting. Findings suggest school librarians must continue to build relationships with stakeholders and create awareness for the school library position as they define the activities of advocacy unique to their …

Integration Of Mechatronics Design Approach Into Teaching Of Modeling Practices, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Tatiana V. Goris, Ana M. Djuric, Petros J. Katsioloudis, Nathan J. Luetke, Moustafa R. Moustafa, Basim Matrood

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Engineering design has transformed significantly due to advances in embedded system design and computer technologies. Almost every mechanical design today has some electrical and electronic components. Many products manufactured today contain both electrical and mechanical components and systems. Mechatronics is a design process that is multi-disciplinary in nature and integrates principles of many engineering disciplines including, but not limited to, mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering and electrical engineering technology, and controls engineering. Mechatronic systems can be found in many different places today. These range from computer hard drives and robotic assembly systems, to washing machines, coffee makers, …

An Examination Of An Online Tutoring Program's Impact On Low-Achieving Middle School Students' Mathematics Achievement, Shanan Chappell,, Pamela Arnold, John Nunnery, Melva R. Grant

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the impact of synchronous online tutoring services on struggling middle school students’ mathematics achievement. The online tutoring was provided as a response to intervention (RTI) Tier 3 support (intensive, individualized intervention) in schools implementing a school-wide mathematics program that addresses Tier 1 (high-quality classroom instruction) and Tier 2 (small group interventions). We employed quasi-experimental, within- and between-group designs to examine impacts for 119 students in two schools to measure the tutoring’s impact on mathematics assessment scores. We also conducted qualitative analyses of student and tutor postsession commentary. The findings suggest …

Research Trends In The Use Of Mobile Learning In Mathematics, Helen Crompton, Diane Burke

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The use of mobile learning in education is growing at an exponential rate. To best understand how mobile learning is being used, it is crucial to gain a collective understanding of the research that has taken place. This research was a systematic review of 36 studies in mobile learning in mathematics from the year 2000 onward. Eight new findings emerged: (1) The primary purpose of most studies was to focus on evaluating mobile learning. (2) Case studies and experimental design were the main research methods. (3) Most studies report positive learning outcomes; (4) Mobile phones were the mobile device used …

Using Schematic-Based And Cognitive Strategy Instruction To Improve Math Word Problem Solving For Students With Math Difficulties, Lisa L. Morin

Communication Disorders & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

For students with math difficulties (MD), math word problem solving is especially challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine a math word problem solving strategy, bar model drawing, to support students with MD. The study extended previous research that suggested that schematic-based instruction (SBI) training delivered within an explicit instruction framework can be effective in teaching various math skills related to word problem solving. As a more generic schema approach, bar model drawing may serve as an effective form of SBI that can be developed across word problems. Moreover, the bar model approach has the potential to enhance …

Professional Identity And Pedagogical Discontentment In High School Science Teachers Participating In A Professional Development Institute, Stephanie J. Hathcock

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Although science teachers regularly participate in PD experiences involving reform-based practices, even our best teachers struggle to change their teaching practices to coincide with these pedagogics, and when they do change, it occurs at differential rates. The aim of this study was to better understand teachers' self-systems by analyzing their experiences in a PD institute program through the lens of professional identity. This multiple case study involved five high school science teachers participating in a summer PD initiative. Data were collected through interviews, written reflections and exploration and commitment cards, and a scale designed to capture participants' perceived level of …

Designing Playful Games And Applications To Support Science Centers Learning Activities, Michail N. Giannakos, David Jones, Helen Crompton, Nikos Chrisochoides

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

In recent years there has been a renewed interest on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Following this interest, science centers' staff started providing technology enhanced informal STEM education experiences. The use of well-designed mobile and ubiquitous forms of technology to enrich informal STEM education activities is an essential success factor. The goal of our research is to investigate how technology applications can be better used and developed for taking full advantage of the opportunities and challenges they provide for students learning about STEM concepts. In our approach, we have conducted a series of interviews with experts from science …

Section Abstracts: Education

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Education Section for the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science, May 13-15, 2014, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

Entry-Level Cognitive Mathematics Skill And First-Semester Mathematics Performance As Correlates Of Fall-To-Fall Retention Of Community College Students, Stephen Tyler Corbin

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between first-semester mathematics performance and fall-to-fall retention for first-time-in-college, degree-seeking community college students. The study further refined the investigation by seeking to determine if the significance of this relationship was affected by student readiness for college-level mathematics as of the first semester of enrollment at the institution under study.

The sample chosen for this study consisted of 1518 first-time-in-college, degree-seeking students enrolled in fall semester 2011 at a large, multi-campus community college in Virginia. The dependent variable was fall-to-fall retention, a commonly applied student success metric in the Virginia Community …

An Initial Look At Robotics-Based Initiatives To Engage Girls In Engineering, Jennifer Michaeli, Vukica Jovanovic, Otilia Popescu, Ana Djuric, Ece Yaprak

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Over the past 10 years, the use of robotic kits in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiatives as well as undergraduate engineering education has increased significantly. However, a survey of students in grades 9–12 indicated that only 2–3% of women in high school express an intention to study engineering; conversely, 16% of high school men declared that they plan to pursue an engineering degree [1]. In this paper, the authors present an initial review of published literature regarding the use of robotics in schools to identify cases where robotic kits have been used to engage girls in STEM …

Connecting With The Caribbean, Sueanne Mckinney, Linda Irwin-Devitis, Brenda Scanelli, Sharon Thomas, Andrew Casiello, Heather Huling

Distance Learning Faculty & Staff Publications

Teaching and learning mathematics can be a universal language. Our session will focus on the collaborative efforts of Old Dominion University and the Caribbean schools on the islands of St. Kitts, Dominica, Nevis and Anguilla in order to provide professional development learning opportunities in the area of mathematics. Specifically, the learning opportunity sessions concentrate on the use of manipulatives to teach conceptual understandings of mathematical ideals for the participating Caribbean schools and teachers. Preliminary data will be presented and discussed that includes the technical process, teacher understanding and participation, and mathematics self-efficacy.

Investigating Estimation: Influences Of Time And Confidence Of Urban Middle School Students, Robert Q. Berry Iii, Melva R. Grant, Sueanne E. Mckinney, Clair Berube

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This study sought to determine the estimation processes used by 10 urban middle school students for solving computational estimation problems, and if there was a difference in the estimation processes utilized for straight computation and application problems. An adapted model of the Accessing Computational Estimation Test (ACE) was used to determine the estimation strategies employed by the subjects within timed and un-timed settings. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. The timed ACE tests were administered using an interview format and included computation and application problems. The findings indicated that there were no differences in estimation processes for straight …

Technological Literacy Courses In Pre-Service Teacher Education, Roger Skophammer, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The goal of this study was to determine to what extent technological literacy courses were required in K-12 teacher education. A documents review of the appropriate course catalogs for initial teacher preparation was conducted. The documents review identified general education requirements and options for technological literacy courses, as well as requirements and options for these courses for English, social studies, mathematics, and science education majors. For this study, technological literacy was defined as "the ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology" (ITEA, 2000/2002/2007, p. 9). This definition of literacy is broader than technology literacy associated with computer use and …

Comparative Analysis Of Research Priorities For Technology Education, Gene Martin, John Ritz

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This study compares and contrasts the most relevant research priorities identified through two Delphi studies by the authors. The panels of experts used in these studies, an international and a U.S. study group, were asked to identify important topics to guide future research studies for the school subject of technology education. Both panels sought to determine the most relevant issues that need to be researched related to K-12 technology education and preparation for teaching this school subject. This study reports the similarities of research priorities identified by both expert panels, then contrasts the major differences that the groups identified for …

Career And Technical Education: A Best Kept Secret In Modern Education, Michael Kosloski

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The educational community continuously searches for the most proven and effective methods that enhance learning. One of the most successful and proven methods for academic success for all students is career and technical education. This article provides a description and explanation of why CTE is effective, as well as presents empirical finding to support CTE as a sound educational tool for the modern learner.

Deca Membership And Its Effect On Grade Point Average As An Indicator Of Academic Success, Michael F. Kosloski Jr., J. M. Ritz

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

Stakeholders in career and technical education declare the value of applied learning through corresponding co-curricular student organizations. However, there is limited empirical evidence to support the notion that student organizations help participants to achieve academic gains. This study examined the levels of engagement in DECA's co-curricular activities, years of membership in DECA, and the impact of multiple years of membership on members' grade point averages in high school. Two-hundred twelve students across Virginia (n = 212) completed an inventory describing their involvement with DECA and provided entry, midpoint, and exit grade point averages. It was determined that DECA members showed …

Integrating Technology And Engineering In A Stem Context, Barry N. Burke, Philip A. Reed, John G. Wells, Robert E. Yager (Ed.), Herbert Brunkhorst (Ed.)

STEMPS Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Imagine students entering the classroom with an enthusiasm that cannot be contained. They come from all walks of life and with different experiences and backgrounds and are eager to engage in learning. Inspiration and innovation are on their mind. What they learned in their science and math classes is now being applied in another class they take called Technology and Engineering. Opportunity is what they see for their future. Something about connecting all the dots from all their classes propels them to change their outlook, to get involved, to get excited about school and to envision their future.

A Collaborated Process With A Wireless Autonomous Vehicle At It's Center, Thomas B. Stout, Steve C. Hsiung

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Developing partnerships between high schools, community colleges and universities is critical for the successful transitions to a lifelong STEM careers. How do you develop these partnerships? The sharing of a technology platform such as autonomous vehicles can bridge the gap by using a common core group of materials. Collaborations between teachers and faculty indifferent schools that share common interests in teaching control systems and robotics technology can be an excellent start. The university as catalyst in the process by designing the curriculum, system hardware and software then through the common interest deploying them in the high schools and community college. …

Enabling Multidisciplinary Perspective In Student Design Project: Fast Fashion And Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Manveer Mann, Petros J. Katsioloudis, Daniel L. Dickerson

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Fast fashion retailers are growing faster than any other type of retailer due to their ability to offer trendy low-cost clothing mimicking latest runway trends with turnaround times as low as two weeks. Fueled by short production and distribution lead times, fast fashion retailers combine rapid prototyping, small batches of fashionable product designs, and efficient transportations and delivery. Among others, the methods applied in fast-fashion industry include mass customization and personalization, and lean manufacturing. Current trends in manufacturing lean towards the application of digital and rapid manufacturing methods and increased use of product lifecycle management, knowledge management systems and computer …

Dissemination Of Microprocessor Courses Through Classroom And Interactive Cyber-Enabled Technologies, Steve C. Hsiung, John M. Ritz, Ece Yaprak, Thomas B. Stout, Richard L. Jones

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The project is in the middle stages of the implementation. There seems to be a positive attitude of learning and using of the training system and curriculum package by all project staffs. Microchip, Inc. and microEngineering Labs, Inc. have donated supplies to support the hardware and software development for this project. The next objectives are team training, recruitment of interested trainees/teachers to participate in training for summers 2014, and assess the effectiveness of the implementations with teachers and students. Photo 2 is the project logo that describes all the concepts of this project.

Research Windows: Iste Standards In The Research, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

[First paragraph]

When ISTE began developing educational technology standards for PK-12 students in the early 1990s, it was ahead of its time. The organization saw the need to prepare students for the future, and it invested in standards as a way to give schools a clear path to staying relevant. The future that ISTE foresaw has definitely arrived, but it's not standing still. To ensure that the standards remain useful for students and educators around the world, ISTE has submitted them to a rigorous updating and revision process.

The Effect Of Self-Regulated Learning Strategy Training And Question Generation On Metacognitive Awareness And Achievement Among College Students Enrolled In Science Courses, Derrick L. Wilkins

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Transitioning from high school students to college students can be a difficult task for students who do not know how to regulate their own study processes. Literature in the areas of metacognition, self-regulated learning (SRL), and question generation suggest a correlation between metacognitive awareness, SRL, and achievement. The present study was guided by efforts to improve college students' achievement by promoting generative learning strategies and metacognitive awareness. Fifty-one undergraduate students enrolled in a general education biology course at a southeastern university participated in this three-week experimental study. The researcher used the Metacognitive Self-Regulation Scale of the Motivated Strategies for Learning …

Discover Math With Sketchpad Explorer, Helen Crompton

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Review of Geometer's SketchPad.

The Effects Of Self-Regulated Learning On Community College Students' Metacognition And Achievement In Developmental Math Courses, Karen D. Y. Campbell

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The effects of training in self-regulation on metacognition and math achievement were investigated in this study. The moderator effect of gender, age and ethnicity on the relationships between training and the outcomes of metacognition and math achievement were also explored. The participants for this study were 116 community college students enrolled in developmental math courses during the spring semester. Teachers volunteered their classes for the study; there were a total of 16 classes participating in the study over two four-week terms. Classrooms were bifurcated and students were randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups. Participants in the treatment group …

Section Abstracts: Education

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Education Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

An Engineering Design Stem Project: T-Shirt Launcher, Todd D. Fantz, Melva R. Grant

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Technology education has the potential to be the glue for integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through the use of the design process. This should result in increased student interest in science and math, resulting in increased standardized science and math scores (Silk, C. Schunn, & Strand, 2009). In order for this to happen, students need to integrate their grade-level mathematics and science content knowledge in their technology and/or engineering design (Tran & Nathan, 2010). Hopefully, this can be accomplished without losing student interest generated by hands-on, kinesthetic learning. This article provides one example of getting technology education …

Readiness For Reform In Middle Schools Adopting Powerteaching For Mathematics Instruction, Elizabeth Hoag Carhart, John Nunnery, Linda Bol, Pamela Arnold, Shanan Chappell,, The Center For Education Partners, Melva R. Grant, Gary R. Morrison

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Federal policy makers and school leaders increasingly recognize middle school math as a turning point in students’ academic success, especially in predicting high school graduation rates. New i3 scale-up grants allow large-scale implementation of proven reforms that increase student achievement. PowerTeaching (PT) is one such reform that centers on cooperative learning. A five year technologically-facilitated scale-up of PowerTeaching will bring the reform to 185 high-needs middle schools nationwide. In this pilot phase of the project, we will examine eight schools’ readiness for reform. Teacher questionnaires, interviews with school leaders, PT coaches and teachers, coaching feedback, and walk-through observation data will …