Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Development And Validation Of A Questionnaire To Explore Teachers’ Knowledge About The Nature Of Mathematics The Teaching And Learning Of Mathematics, Munira Amirali

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Investigating teachers’ knowledge about the nature of mathematics and their viewpoints about the teaching and learning of mathematics is important as it has a great influence on what they do in classrooms. This paper describes the two phases of the development and validation process of an instrument named as Mathematics Teacher Survey Questionnaire (MTSQ) developed to determine Pakistani teachers’ knowledge about the nature of mathematics, its influence on their viewpoints about the teaching and learning of mathematics. Phase one includes item writing, item analysis and item administration whereas phase two includes the tool validation process using Cronbach’s alpha and content …

Creators For The Earth: The Academic Library’S Role In Supporting Sustainability Creators And Practitioners Across All Disciplines, Jennifer K. Embree, Neyda V. Gilman

Library Scholarship

The image of a creator often brings to mind individuals that can take an abstract or unique idea and transform it into an impressive, tangible creation. Whether it’s an architect crafting a new building design, an artist painting on canvas, or an interior designer mapping out a new room layout, creators are generally seen as those who can formulate conceptual ideas that are then realized to showcase amazing ingenuity. In the world of higher education, this type of work is often first associated with disciplines like art, design, architecture, and engineering—fields where acts of “making,” “creating,” or “building” are integral …

Science Communication Training Imparts Confidence And Influences Public Engagement Activity, Christina M. Swords, Jerlym S. Porter, Amy J. Hawkins, Edwin Li, Melissa Rowland-Goldsmith, Matthew D. Koci, John F. Tansey, Nicole C. Woitowich

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The impacts of science are felt across all socio-ecological levels, ranging from the individual to societal. In order to adapt or respond to scientific discoveries, novel technologies, or biomedical or environmental challenges, a fundamental understanding of science is necessary. However, antiscientific rhetoric, mistrust in science, and the dissemination of misinformation hinder the promotion of science as a necessary and beneficial component of our world. Scientists can promote scientific literacy by establishing dialogues with nonexperts, but they may find a lack of formal training as a barrier to public engagement. To address this, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology …

Curriculum Evaluation Of The Academy Of Global Logistics Program: Connections To Stem Education, Ann Y. Kim, Tyler Reeb, Jaylee Jordan, Youngjin Song

Mineta Transportation Institute Publications

The Academy of Global Logistics (AGL) is a career technical education program developed in collaboration with the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Unified School District and with support from the Center for International Trade and Transportation. Students enrolled in the program, implemented at a high school in Long Beach, CA, learn global logistics and supply chain management over the course of their high school career. The program culminates in a capstone project that is evaluated by industry leaders. This research project applies qualitative coding methods to find connections between the AGL curriculum and CA mathematics and science …

Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Native American Science Teachers Of The Great Plains: A Narrative Inquiry, Uma Ganesan

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

The complicated history of the education of Native American children through U.S. government-sponsored practices has led to the elimination of the Native children’s sense of Indian identity, culture, and language (Noel, 2002). In addition, increased emphasis on standardization and high-stakes accountability under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has resulted in less culturally responsive educational efforts and more Indigenous students left behind in school systems (Castagno & Brayboy, 2008). This has led to Indigenous students being underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields where they account for only 3% of STEM workers (Fry, Kennedy, & Funk, …

A Pluriversal Model For Equity In Family And Youth Stem Identity Research Praxis, Remy Dou, Heidi Cian

Department of Teaching and Learning

In this paper presentation, we present how we (re)consider and take into account the consequentiality of both our own (as researchers) and our participants’ onto-epistemological beliefs in relation to STEM and STEM contexts, particularly attending to the relationship between these beliefs and identity development through an ethico-political praxis centered on notions of equity as a pluriverse.

Using Familial Stem Identity To Understand Identity Development Through Social Units, Remy Dou, Heidi Cian

Department of Teaching and Learning

Using case study data, we illustrate the need for a more comprehensive model of STEM identity development that accounts for the STEM affiliation of youths, their caregivers, and siblings–not as a collection of individuals but as a coherent and functional unit. We introduce the concept of familial STEM identity as a framework on which to expand STEM identity development theory, particularly as it relates to learners whose social identities are tightly embedded in family relationships, values, and culture. We emphasize the value of familial STEM identity in the context of diversification of STEM fields and formal and informal STEM programming …

E2: Equity And Excellence Framework, Adrienne Coleman, Traci Ellis

Publications & Research

Both the United States and the United Nations have identified, examined, and put out a call to action to address the educational inequities that have disproportionately and negatively affected racially minoritized students, as well as those from a lower socioeconomic background, and poorer countries. Data from the Nations Report Card and the Global Monitoring Report provide evidence of disparities in academic performance and access to equitable educational resources. The outcome of these inequities impacts countries throughout the world, as their residents will not possess the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving global society, nor possess the critical …

Entomology Outreach Presentations To Four Audiences, Michael Goldman

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

I proposed that my master’s Project would be outreach on Entomology at four levels: School aged children, laymen, non-entomologists in a technical field, and entomologists. The idea here is basically how to talk about entomology to varying levels of expertise, from first graders to experts in both entomology and occupational health and safety. Presentations were given to audiences at each of the four levels. The specific topics varied for each audience. The determination was made by the inviting audience in the cases of school aged children and adult laymen and by me in the cases of Occupational Safety and Health …

Girls Are Good At Stem: Opening Minds And Providing Evidence Reduce Boys' Stereotyping Of Girls' Stem Ability, Emily N. Cyr, Kathryn M. Kroeper, Hilary B. Bergsieker, Tara C. Dennehy, Christine Logel, Jennifer R. Steele, Rita A. Knasel, W. Tyler Hartwig, Priscilla Shum, Stephanie L. Reeves, Odilia Dys-Steenbergen, Amrit Litt, Christopher Lok, Taylor Ballinger, Haemi Nam, Crystal Tse, Amanda L. Forest, Mark Zanna, Sheryl Staub-French, Mary Wells, Toni Schmader, Stephen C. Wright, Steven J. Spencer

Psychology Faculty Publications

Girls and women face persistent negative stereotyping within STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). This field intervention was designed to improve boys' perceptions of girls' STEM ability. Boys (N = 667; mostly White and East Asian) aged 9-15 years in Canadian STEM summer camps (2017-2019) had an intervention or control conversation with trained camp staff. The intervention was a multi-stage persuasive appeal: a values affirmation, an illustration of girls' ability in STEM, a personalized anecdote, and reflection. Control participants discussed general camp experiences. Boys who received the intervention (vs. control) had more positive perceptions of girls' STEM ability, d = 0.23, …

School Library Advocacy: Enhancing Opportunities For All Learners, Elizabeth A. Burns

STEMPS Faculty Publications

There is a lack of consistency in how school librarians understand and engage in advocacy for their programs and the profession (Burns, 2015; Lance & Kachel, 2018). It is important that school librarians demonstrate the positive impact they contribute to improving instruction for student learners and advancing access so that all learners have equal opportunities. The school library and school librarian should be available to each student (Kachel, 2021). The School Library Manifesto (2021) includes language to support a strong school library with a qualified school librarian. Advocacy goals can be highlighted throughout this critical set of school library guidelines. …

Accuracy Of Covid-19 Relevant Knowledge Among Youth: Number Of Information Sources Matters, Patricia Wonch Hill, Judy Diamond, Amy N. Spiegel, Elizabeth Vanwormer, Meghan Leadabrand, Julia Mcquillan

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Can comics effectively convey scientific knowledge about COVID-19 to youth? What types and how many sources of information did youth have about COVID-19 during the pandemic? How are sources of information associated with accurate COVID-19 knowledge? To answer these questions, we surveyed youth in grades 5–9 in a Midwestern United States school district in the winter of 2020–2021. The online survey used measures of COVID-19 knowledge and sources, with an embedded experiment on COVID-19 relevant comics. Guided by an integrated science capital and just-in-time health and science information acquisition model, we also measured level of science capital, science identity, and …

Computational Thinking And Coding For Young Children: A Hybrid Approach To Link Unplugged And Plugged Activities, Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

In our increasingly technology-dependent society, the importance of promoting digital literacy (e.g., computational thinking, coding, and programming) has become a critical focus in the field of childhood education. While young children these days are routinely and extensively exposed to digital devices and tools, the efficacy of the methods for fostering digital skills in the early childhood classroom has not always been closely considered. This is particularly true in settings where early childhood educators are not digital experts. Currently, most of the efforts in standard early childhood settings, taught by teachers who are not digital experts, appear to revolve around “unplugged” …

Addressing The "Leaky Pipeline": A Review And Categorisation Of Actions To Recruit And Retain Women In Computing Education, Alina Berry, Susan Mckeever, Brenda Murphy, Sarah Jane Delany

Conference papers

Gender imbalance in computing education is a well-known issue around the world. For example, in the UK and Ireland, less than 20% of the student population in computer science, ICT and related disciplines are women. Similar figures are seen in the labour force in the field across the EU. The term "leaky pipeline"; is often used to describe the lack of retention of women before they progress to senior roles. Numerous initiatives have targeted the problem of the leaky pipeline in recent decades. This paper provides a comprehensive review of initiatives related to techniques used to boost recruitment and improve …

Reflecting Back To Forge The Path Forward, Robert M. Capraro, Mary Margaret Capraro, Chance Lewis, Melva R. Grant, Marlon James, Eduardo Mosqueda, Jamaal Young, Jemimah Young, Ali Bicer, Tarcia Hubert, Alesia Mickle Moldavan, Susan Ophelia Cannon, Michael S. Rugh, Miriam Sanders, Jonas Chang

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The JUME editorial team provides an update of the journal's health and progress during the 2021 calendar year and discusses coming changes and opportunities for growth.

Bridging The Research-Practice Gap: Development Of A Theoretically Grounded Workshop For Graduate Students Aimed At Challenging Microaggressions In Science And Engineering, Amy C. Moors, Lindsay Mayott, Benjamin Hadden

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion often lack a theoretical basis, which can unintentionally exacerbate issues. In this paper, we describe the development and evaluation results of a theoretically grounded workshop aimed at reducing microaggressions and promoting ally engagement among graduate students in science and engineering. In Study 1, using a Delphi method, eight science and engineering faculty members with backgrounds in diversity efforts provided feedback on workshop development. In Study 2, 107 graduate and advanced undergraduate students engaged in the 90-minute interactive workshop. Results indicate that attendees found the workshop valuable, developed new skills for ally engagement, and planned …

Creating A Popular Science Collection To Support Interest, Research, And Curriculum At The University Of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries, Casey Hoeve, Kiyomi Deards

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Conference Presentations and Speeches

In 2016 the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries opened the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons in the main library (Love Library) with the intention of creating an informal user space for study and social interactions. Within the Learning Commons, a popular science collection was curated based upon patron interest and to organize a scattered collection into a more discoverable location. The collection has been highly used by patrons, and new content is regularly added each year.

In addition to general interest, the popular science collection supports on-campus classes and colloquial talks. In this presentation, the history of the collection and which …

“I Can Math, Too!”: Reducing Math Anxiety In Stem-Related Courses Using A Combined Mindfulness And Growth Mindset Approach (Magma) In The Classroom, Tashana S. Samuel, Sebastien Buttet, Jared Warner

Publications and Research

Math anxiety has become an alarming social justice concern, as it results in negative academic consequences, contributes to disinterest and lack of persistence in STEM programs for underrepresented students, and limits their opportunities in STEM careers. According to research, this fear of math occurs long before students begin working on math problems. When high-math anxious students encounter math situations, anticipation anxiety consumes working memory capacity, inhibits learning, and causes them to severely underperform on mathematical tasks. However, very few studies have been conducted to embed psychological interventions in the classroom in an effort to mitigate both anticipation and execution anxiety. …

Development Of A Men’S Health Course For First-Year Undergraduates Using Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies, Ania A. Majewska, Johnasha D. Stuart, Kelsey M. Gray, Pearl V. Ryder, Ethell Vereen

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

A novel first-year experience course was developed using culturally responsive teaching strategies at an undergraduate liberal arts college in the southeastern USA to promote health advocacy and to provide students with an overview of male health. The course focuses on the biological, sociocultural, economic and gender influences that shape men's health beliefs and practices. It also emphasizes health disparities in the USA among Black/African American men compared to other racial groups and intervention strategies to improve health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The lecture and laboratory components of the course were designed as a blended learning environment with a modified flipped class …

Examination Of School Value-Added Growth By Student Population, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Josh B. Mcgee, Charlene A. Reid

Policy Briefs

In this brief, we assess the relationship between Arkansas’ school-level value-added content growth scores for student racial and programmatic groups. We find that on average, African American students receive lower growth scores than other student groups, and that African American elementary students demonstrated large drops in growth since COVID

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Zambia Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Zambia. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior to, …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Main Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education in many ways. Across the world, schools have been partially or wholly closed, teachers and students have been forced to quarantine at home for short or extended periods of time, social learning opportunities have been cancelled and community interactions curtailed. This has added a further obstacle to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education. The COVID-19 MILO (Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes) study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes in six countries in Africa – Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Senegal Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Senegal. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior to, …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Burundi Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Burundi. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior to, …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Burkina Faso Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Burkina Faso. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Kenya Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Kenya. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior to, …

Covid-19 In Sub-Saharan Africa: Monitoring Impacts On Learning Outcomes: Côte D’Ivoire Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer), Unesco Institute For Statistics

Monitoring Learning

Six African countries participated in the COVID-19: Monitoring Impacts on Learning Outcomes (MILO) project in 2021 – Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia. This report presents the key findings from the MILO project for Côte d'Ivoire. The MILO study was designed to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on learning outcomes. As countries work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b, it is essential that progress towards this goal continues to be monitored. The MILO project was implemented to provide a way for countries to measure learning progress against Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.1.1b prior …

Introduction To Series And Parallel Circuits, Craig E. Shepherd, Shannon M. Smith

Library Faculty Publications and Presentations

This lesson begins with an introduction on electricity and how it is formed at the molecular level. It then lets learners explore and define a circuit. This introduction is followed by an exploration where learners develop series and parallel circuits using LED lights and motors. Learners then consider what constitutes a series and parallel circuit, open and closed circuit, and a short circuit. The lesson concludes by having learners consider advantages, limitations, and instructional uses of various electronics kits (e.g., Snap Circuits, littleBits, LilyPad, paper circuits, conductive dough) based on their ability to display circuit paths.

Newgrange Skyscape In Stellarium, Frank Prendergast

Articles

Newgrange Skyscape in Stellarium is a new customised landscape planetarium model giving the user the unique ability to interrogate the dynamic sky above the Boyne Valley on any date of interest during the hours of daylight or darkness. Archaeological, astronomical and topographical points of interest are labelled in the model and visible even during the hours of darkness. These are summarily described in a short gazetteer appended at the end of the instruction document to encourage further exploration of the wonderful heritage found in the Boyne Valley and beyond.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=aGPsVGBXkY4

Watch on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/493351576

Using Free And Open Source Software To Teach University Gis Courses Online: Lessons Learned During A Pandemic, Sterling Quinn

Geography Faculty Scholarship

During the remote learning necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, university GIS students did not always have home access to the kinds of software and hardware that they would ordinarily get in their on-campus lab facilities. In this situation, the free and cross-platform nature of FOSS opened the door for some students to continue their GIS education uninterrupted. In this article, I describe how one university allowed students to choose FOSS such as QGIS, PostGIS, and GeoDa as alternatives to proprietary software in upper-division GIS coursework. These were used to teach techniques such as point pattern analysis, visibility analysis, hydrological modeling, …