Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Investigating The Impact Of An Elaborative Conversation Strategies (Ecs) Intervention On Parent-Child Interactions And Preschool Children's Science Learning Using A Single-Case Experimental Design, Yao Yao

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the elaborative conversation strategies (ECS) intervention in improving the quality of parents' science talk during everyday home learning interactions using a single-case experimental design. Specifically, the study explored whether training parents in ECS could increase their use of these high-quality conversation strategies and enhance the quality of their science talk when engaging their children in science activities. The study also investigated how the ECS intervention impacted children's science knowledge, skills, and interest, as well as parents' attitudes toward supporting their children's science learning.

Participants included five typically developing …

Preparing Educators To Effectively Engage With Postsecondary Stem Students With Autism, Luzconsuelo Gavaldon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime mental disability (Boucher, 2009). Because the brains of people with autism work differently than their non-neurodiverse peers (Kuzminskaite et al., 2020), they tend to respond to external stimuli in a hypo- or hyper-sensory fashion. One of the primary considerations that must be accounted for when working with individuals with autism is that the brains of these persons are each neurologically distinct. In other words, there is no "one-size-fits-all" means by which individuals with ASD learn and develop and, consequently, no single way to therefore engage with said individuals (Anderson & Butt, 2017; Kuzminski …

Populations Digitally Excluded From Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions And Actions For Policy, Practice And Research In A Post-Pandemic Era, Don Passey, Jean Gabin Ntebutse, Manal Yazbak Abu Ahmad, Janet Cochrane, Simon Collin, Asmaa Ganayem, Elizabeth Langran, Sadaqat Mulla, Ma. Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Toshinori Saito, Miri Shonfeld, Saunand Somasi

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

This conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Impact And Effectiveness Of Certification Programs In Preparing And Retaining Educators, Teresa De Jesus Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is integral to STEM fields, making math critically important for the stability and development of the nation. As a result, mathematics teachers have a crucial role in our society. A role whose importance needs the necessary support to accomplish its numerous responsibilities. However, research indicates that certification routes—traditional and alternative—often fail to adequately prepare math teachers for the challenges they face, leading to high turnover rates. This study explores the impact of these certification routes on teachers’ abilities to support student achievement, address diverse learning needs, and manage additional duties. Surveying secondary math teachers in the Rio Grande Valley, …

Leveraging A Community Of Practice To Advance Stem Education Reform And Promote Teacher And Student Self-Efficacy, Ruth Renee Colyer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the impact of the CREST-MECIS community of practice on K-12 STEM teachers and undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in science education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The study was grounded in response to three primary problem statements: 1) the significant learning losses and socio-emotional challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the inadequacy of traditional instructional methods in post-pandemic classrooms, and 3) the need for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices that acknowledge students’ lived experiences. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, survey analyses, and qualitative feedback …

Challenges And Strategies In Science Learning: A Thematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Angelica A. Guanzon

Theses and Dissertations

This study thoroughly explores the relationships between the challenges faced by students and the alternative problem-solving strategies employed. By analyzing these connections, the research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how students address difficulties in science learning and the adaptive strategies they apply. Through this research, teachers can gain valuable understanding in adapting learning resources that successfully address diverse needs of students. By identifying specific challenges and correlating effective strategies, targeted interventions are designed to enhance the overall science learning experience. The study emphasizes the importance of a dynamic and adaptable teaching approach that caters to the evolving landscape …

A Comparative Analysis Of Early Algebraic Thinking Activities From U.S. And Singapore Primary Textbooks, Christian Joel Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies highlight the challenges students face when transitioning to algebra at the secondary level. Introducing algebraic concepts and fostering algebraic thinking at the primary level can help mitigate these difficulties. Prior to formal algebra instruction, early algebra can be cultivated as a mode of thinking known as algebraic thinking. Several international curricula, such as Singapore Math, incorporate early algebraic thinking into the early stages of schooling. Singapore Math, renowned for its high performance in international assessments, has been widely adopted by schools seeking to replicate its success.

This study compares two primary-level mathematics curricula—CCSSM-aligned textbooks and Singapore Math—specifically focusing …

Academic Vocabulary Acquisition In A 3rd Grade Science Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Embedded Study, Nicole Langenhuizen

All Dissertations

With the acceptance of the Next Generation Science Standards, elementary-aged students are encouraged to develop the skills needed to communicate their thinking in science efficiently and effectively (NGSS, 2013). Since implementing these new standards in 2013, South Carolina has seen a decline in science standardized testing scores for grades 3-5. These results show that science and engineering skills support 67% of U.S. jobs today (National Science Foundation, 2021), and the current trend is that science and engineering skills are essential to students today and provide a rationale for exploring how teachers can help students develop the vocabulary necessary to communicate …

Help-Seeking For College Algebra Students' Success: A Phenomenological Mixed Methods Study, Colby Lamb

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Because the failure rate for college algebra is large and sometimes up to 50%, college algebra serves as a gatekeeper to STEM fields and degree completion. Therefore, it is critical to examine students who are at risk of dropping, withdrawing, and failing college algebra help-seeking behavior. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to focus on students’ perceptions of in-classroom and out-of-classroom activities and systems in a college algebra course designed based on principles of active learning and how those activities and systems are affordances or barriers to help-seeking. The research questions to be addressed were:

Central Research Question: …

Exploring Students' Computer-Supported Collaborative Argumentation With Socio-Scientific Issues, Wenli Chen, Yiting Han, Jesmine Tan, Aileen Siew Cheng Chai, Qianru Lyu, Lyna

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Background: This study examined the effect of computer-supported collaborative argumentation (CSCA) on secondary school students' understanding of socio-scientific issues (SSI). Engaging students in collaborative argumentation is known to help with deepening their understanding of SSI. Methods: In this study, a mixed-method design is used to investigate 84 students' collaborative argumentation processes and outcomes. The statistical analysis, epistemic network analysis and qualitative uptake analysis results showed that CSCA was effective in supporting secondary school students' evidence-based argumentation skills on SSI. Findings and Conclusion: Several cases were presented to show how students engaged in CSCA to explore meaningful learning opportunities and how …

Understanding Levels Of Perceived Racism And Discrimination When Utilizing Perinatal Care, Alexandria S. Evans

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social and structural determinants of health, grounded in historical racism and discrimination, significantly influence maternal health outcomes. Because of this, communities of color experience a higher burden of maternal health disparities. In the last several decades, there has been an increased awareness of the need to integrate critical race theory into public health research to address maternal health disparities in the context of perinatal care delivery, policy, and funding decisions.

This three-manuscript dissertation utilized mixed methods to examine the ways in which systemic racism and discrimination are perceived and how it impacts the utilization of perinatal care services in historically …

Development And Testing The Predictability Of An Instrument Based On The Multi- Theory Model (Mtm) Of Health Behavior Change For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Uptake Among People Of Color, Siddharth Raich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health problem in the US and globally. In the US, it disproportionately affects people of color. In 2012, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved by the FDA for HIV prevention. PrEP reduces the chances of acquiring HIV by 99% among people at high risk. However, PrEP uptake among people of color remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test the predictability of an instrument to describe the intent to initiate and sustain PrEP use among people of color. This research utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods design based on the fourth-generation, multi-theory …

Mathematics Education Reform Through Socio-Political Means: A Synthesis, Nadine Ferguson

University Honors Theses

Mathematics education urgently needs reform, as traditional approaches fail to meet the diverse needs of today's student populations. Conventional teaching methods, which often focus on rote memorization and procedural understanding, overlook mathematics being a human activity that is inherently interlinked with culture. This paper explores three key approaches to reforming mathematics education: differentiation, culturally responsive mathematics (CRM), and critical mathematics. Grounded in Rochelle Gutiérrez's definition of equity--which emphasizes nurturing students' mathematical identities and agency--this analysis evaluates how each approach addresses four critical goals: ensuring access for all students to complex mathematics, fostering student confidence, promoting collaboration, and making mathematics relevant …

A Python Pipeline For Rapid Inversion Of Gravity Data Aimed At Early Career Researchers: Application To The Lost River Fault, Idaho, Bradford C. Mack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gravity data and modeling can be used to create a 3D view of basin and fault geometries, a valuable tool for seismic hazard assessment. Additionally, access to a high-speed, easy-to-use modeling workflow will enable more researchers to supplement their work with a new method and allow students to be exposed to modeling earlier in their academic careers. The primary goals of this work are to create a widely usable 3D gravity and basin model, to create an introduction to modeling teaching module for undergraduate geology students, and to apply the model to the northernmost two segments of the Lost River …

Socially Situated Scientific Discourse: Learning Under The Perceived Threat Of Being A Woman, Kayla Taylor

Feminist Pedagogy

As a companion piece to “Diminishing Dialogue: The Fallacy of Florida Politics,” this critical commentary explores how undergraduate humanities courses and feminist standpoint theory shaped the perspective of an aspiring STEM PhD candidate. The subjective nature of scientific objectivity is examined through the lens of feminist historiography and the author’s own experiences as a woman in STEM.

Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Incorporation Of An Ecojustice Framework In An Undergraduate Stem Integration Course, Rita G. Ortiz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Environmental education across the K-12 science curriculum lacks critical examination of human and ecological relationships, particularly in relation to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While the Next Generation Science Standards include environmental topics within their disciplinary core ideas and many schools offer environmental science courses, this gap can be addressed in teacher preparation programs, particularly for those teaching younger students. Ecojustice centers on socioecological topics by addressing cultural assumptions we, as humans, live by in relation to natural systems. Ecojustice education is a critical pedagogy that engages learners about social issues related to our current ecological crisis. This …

Ongoing Efforts To Develop Open Climate Change Resources: An Interview With Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley, James Thibeault

Open Educational Resources Publications

This article explores the significant contributions of Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley in developing open educational resources (OER) for climate change education. Through an interview with Dr. Ledley, the article highlights her journey from a climate science researcher to a passionate advocate for open access to scientific information. Dr. Ledley's work, funded by prominent organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and NOAA, has focused on creating and disseminating freely accessible resources to enhance public understanding of climate science. Key initiatives discussed include the Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET), EarthLabs, and the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN). These …

Coding Connections: Exploring Relationships Between Computer Science Learning And Mathematics Achievement In Secondary Education, Bradley Hayes

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation in practice explores the intersection of computer science education, specifically computational thinking and programming, with mathematics achievement among 15-year-old students in selected English-speaking countries. The research addresses a gap in understanding whether skills developed through computer science can positively influence mathematics performance by assessing the extent to which learning in computer science transfers to mathematics.

To achieve this, a quantitative methodology was employed, incorporating pilot study data from a single school and large-scale survey data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022. The analysis assessed the correlation between regular participation in programming activities and mathematics attainment, …

Using Chatgpt For The Acquisition Of Computational Thinking Skills: A Case Of African Indigenous Games, Dick Ng’Ambi, Mohamed A. Mitwally, Mwewa Peter, Oluwaseun Oyekola

The African Journal of Information Systems

This paper proposes using a ChatGPT-generated algorithm for an indigenous game to mediate the acquisition of computational thinking skills. The paper seeks to answer the question: How can the ChatGPT-mediated algorithm for indigenous games foster the acquisition of computational thinking skills? Using a Participatory Action Research approach, 19 collaborators from 11 African countries gathered 185 indigenous games. The paper focuses on one of those games that is played in all 11 countries. The paper concludes that involving collaborators, who are indigenous members of their communities and have experiential knowledge of the game, led to their acquisition of computational thinking skills.

Landform Lessons: Applying Terrestrial Geography To Mars Landing Site, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

In this hands-on, STEM integrated workshop, educators will explore the fascinating parallels between Earth's landscapes and the Martian surface to enhance their understanding of planetary geography. Through a progressive series of activities, participants will compare environments and landforms on Earth and Mars, using actual data from spacecraft orbiting Mars to collect evidence and construct conclusions about these terrestrial planets. Then, applying this information, educators will construct multi-layer maps aimed at selecting the most advantageous landing site for a manned mission to the Red Planet. Finally, utilizing an online mapping application, participants will virtually explore their chosen landing site and examine …

Exploring The Journey Of Stem Faculty Into Justice-Centered Pedagogy, Desiree Forsythe, Bryan Dewsbury, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

In higher education and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), interlocking oppressions can lead to inequitable environments for those who hold marginalized identities. Instructors can play key roles in either exacerbating or mitigating these inequities through their pedagogical approaches and choice of curricular material. However, it remains unclear how instructors who self-identify as committed to justice achieve higher levels of consciousness around areas of injustice and develop the self-efficacy to dismantle barriers for students over time. Here, we draw upon critical race theory and critical white studies to investigate what events or life experiences influence STEM instructors to understand the …

Engaging Students With Pocketlab Interactive Mobile Technology In A Science Classroom: A Mixed Methods Study, Olha Ketsman, Juan A. Colon Santana

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This mixed methods study explored the impact of PocketLab interactive mobile sensors on science content knowledge among undergraduate students in an algebra-based physics laboratory course. The study also examined students' perspectives and experiences using PocketLab to learn class concepts. While no statistically significant differences were found between the control and treatment groups for items evaluating definitions and conceptual mastery, the control group outperformed the treatment group on problem-solving items. This difference may be due to the alignment of traditional Vernier technology experiments with the analytical problem-solving approach emphasized in lectures. Despite this, students using PocketLab reported greater flexibility and …

Examining The Use Of Embedded Generative Strategies With Graphic Organizers To Improve Science Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Gamze Karaer, Macid A. Melekoglu, Brian Hand

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with learning disabilities have difficulty in science literacy because of the extensive amount of abstract concepts in comprehending science content. An adapted alternating treatments design with an extended baseline was used to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of graphic organizers (GOs) enhanced with predicting-observing-explaining (POE) (Module-I) and GOs without POE (Module-II) on science achievement of six middle school students with learning disabilities. Results indicated that both procedures were effective to improve performance on all dependent variables for all participants. However, the result of efficiency data showed that Module-I seemed to be more efficient across four students in terms of …

Scholar Perspectives On The Impact Of A Scientific Community Program For Neurodivergent Undergraduate Stem Scholars, Dylan Sullivan, Fernando Zavala, Derek Hidalgo, Jacob Stolle, Rebecca Matte, Christin B. Monroe

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Despite the adaptive strengths and unique problem-solving skills demonstrated by neurodivergent (ND) individuals, they remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. High unemployment rates among individuals with disabilities emphasize the need for addressing barriers to entry and persistence in the workforce. This study introduces a program designed to enhance opportunities for neurodivergent STEM scholars with financial needs, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program involves: 1) a weekly cohort course to engage in professional development, 2) use of the Birkman Method® survey to help scholars identify and communicate strengths, fostering self-awareness and growth, and 3) …

Shevtsov: Teaching Modeling To First-Year Life Science Students: The Ucsc Experience, Martin H. Weissman

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Shevtsov: Journeying Through The Modeling Life: Tales From Teaching At Utah State University, Sindura Kularajan

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Shevtsov: Teaching Modeling And Dynamics To First-Year Life Sciences Students: The Ucla Experience, Jane Shevtsov, Alan Garfinkel, Jess Gregg, Eric J. Deeds

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

From Ecology To Modeling Apps - Newts, Crayfish, And Slopes, Timothy Lucas

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Boosting The Power Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cells By Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes, Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David J. Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the …

Study Of Graduate Student Instructors’ Attempts To Incorporate And Reflect On Using Discourse Practices In Undergraduate Mathematics Courses, Katie Johnson Sprague

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Within the last decade, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has made a call to action, asking educators to engage in effective teaching of mathematics which includes having classrooms rich in mathematical discourse (NCTM, 2014). In this nine-week dissertation study, three mathematics graduate student instructors (GSIs) teaching undergraduate students at a large midwestern university enacted discourse practices to promote mathematical discussions as part of a participatory action research study. The participants were video tapped teaching six times and attended four whole group meetings. The whole group meetings were used to discuss the practices, planning, and enactment of the …