Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Inferring Impulsive-Analytic Disposition From Written Responses, Kien Lim, Miguel Mendoza

Departmental Papers (Math)

Impulsive disposition refers to one’s proclivity to spontaneously proceed with an action that comes to mind without checking its relevance. Analytic disposition refers to one’s proclivity to analyze a problem situation and establishes a goal to guide one’s actions. An instrument, called the likelihood-to-act survey, was developed to measure students’ impulsive-analytic disposition. In this study, we sought to test and refine this instrument by analyzing 92 participants’ written responses to open-ended questions that were adapted from items in the likelihood-to-act survey. We found relatively strong correlations between participants’ disposition scores for written responses and those from the likelihood-to-act survey.

Continuing Discussion Of Mathematical Habits Of Mind, Annie Selden, Kien Lim

Departmental Papers (Math)

The idea of “mathematical habits of mind” has been introduced to emphasize the need to help students think about mathematics “the way mathematicians do.” There seems to be considerable interest among mathematics educators and mathematicians in helping students develop mathematical habits of mind. The objectives of this working group are: (a) to continue the discussion of various views and aspects of mathematical habits of mind begun at PME-NA 31, (b) to explore avenues for research, (c) to encourage research collaborations, and (d) to interest doctoral students in this topic. In the Proceedings of PME-NA 31, we provided an overview of …

Laboratory Earth: A Model Of Online K-12 Teacher Coursework, David C. Gosselin, Julie Thomas, Adrienne Redmond, Cindy Larson-Miller, Sara Yendra, Ronald J. Bonnstetter, Timothy F. Slater

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Laboratory Earth, a series of three NASA-sponsored, online graduate courses for K–8 teachers, was designed to meet a variety of learning styles and appeal to teachers “motivation to learn the content and improve their teaching.” This is especially important to teachers as they seek to demonstrate “highly qualified” status to meet No Child Left Behind standards. These graduate-level courses consist of four modules of two to four lessons each. Pre- and post-course surveys indicated significant increases in teachers “(n = 51) content knowledge, science teaching efficacy beliefs (STEBI-A), sense of community within the course (LEO), and science teaching …

Creative Exercises In General Chemistry: A Student-Centered Assessment, Scott E. Lewis, Janet L. Shaw, Kathryn A. Freeman

Faculty Articles

Creative exercises (CEs) are a form of assessment in which students are given a prompt and asked to write down as many distinct, correct, and relevant facts about the prompt as they can. Students receive credit for each fact that they include that is related to the prompt and distinct from the other facts they list. With CEs, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and the opportunity to select the information that they believe is related to the prompt. In addition, CEs encourage students to connect concepts because any relevant information presented can assist them in completing the …

Using Insects To Promote Science Inquiry In Elementary Classrooms, Douglas A. Golick, Tiffany M. Heng-Moss, Marion D. Ellis

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska public schools created Bugs in the Classroom, a professional development initiative with the goal of empowering teachers to use insects in science inquiry instruction in elementary classrooms. The initiative included workshops for elementary educators on science inquiry and teaching with insects. This paper includes a description of the workshop as well as an evaluation of the impact of the workshop on participating teachers' knowledge of scientific inquiry, entomology knowledge, and inquiry practice. Also included are recommendations for similar professional development activities.

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 25, Summer 2010), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Relationships Between Epistemological Beliefs And Self-Regulated Learning Among Advanced Placement Calculus Students In The Context Of Mathematical Problem Solving, James Clinton Stockton

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects

Secondary mathematics educators advocating constructivist-oriented instruction face the dilemma of developing students’ problem-solving skills. Students’ epistemological beliefs and self-regulated learning (SRL) processing capacity influence mathematical problem-solving prowess. This multiple-case study explored the relationships between epistemological beliefs and SRL processing while advanced mathematics students engaged in problem-solving tasks and investigated students’ SRL strategy use, heuristic strategy use, and problem-solving performance. Data sources included think-aloud and interview transcriptions, student work, and classroom observation protocols. Validity and reliability were enhanced via member-checking interviews, triangulation, peer review, and completion of a case study database. Five major findings emerged from the data: (1) participants’ unique/arbitrary …

Teaching Inquiry-Based Stem In The Elementary Grades Using Manipulatives: A Systemic Solution Report, Louis S. Nadelson, Anne Hay, Pat Pyke, Janet Callahan, Cheryl Schrader

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Young learners come to school holding myriad conceptions about how the world works, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM.^1-3 Further, young students' conceptions are commonly based on fragmented knowledge or naïve perspectives that contribute to the importance of early exposure to and practice with scrutinizing situations scientifically.^1,3 An important part of helping children gain the skills necessary to approach situations scientifically involves preparing them to conduct scientific inquiry.³ The development of critical thinking skills and scientific approaches to problem solving should begin early in education.⁴ However, lack of elementary …

Students’ Conceptions Of The Nature Of Mathematics And Attitudes Towards Mathematics Learning, Munira Amirali

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Students’ conceptions of the nature of mathematics have a great influence towards mathematics learning. In order to understand gender-wise students’ conceptions and attitudes towards mathematics this study has been conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. This paper examines patterns in students’ conception and attitude towards mathematics by analyzing survey data obtained from 82 students studying in grade eight in a private school context. The survey was conducted using a five-point Likert scale ranging from ‘strongly agree’ through ‘neutral’ to ‘strongly disagree’. The survey findings illustrate that students consider mathematics as a useful subject which is used in daily life routines and facilitates …

Climate Literacy In California K-12 Schools, Candice Maree Nosworthy

Communication Studies

No abstract provided.

Third Grade Hands On Science Curriculum, Douglas Ray Cornwell

All Graduate Projects

In 2009, Washington State issued a new set of science standards. These new standards focus on building scientific literacy. With the emphasis now on scientific literacy rather than the traditional emphasis on fact memorization, many teachers must now find new ways to teach their science programs that reinforce understanding in science concepts rather than simple fact recollection. A science program that focuses on the constructivist learning philosophy and that offers students "hands on" activities as well as teacher led demonstrations is offered here to fill the role as an example of one of these new programs.

The Effects Of An Inquiry-Based Earth Science Course On The Spatial Thinking Of Pre-Service Elementary Teacher Education Students, Kevin Douglas Weakley

Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of two geography courses at improving student spatial thinking skills. Spatial thinking is an important cognitive skill in the sciences and everyday life. A taxonomy of spatial thinking was constructed by Gersmehl (2008) in geography education which included core modes assessed in this study: comparison, region, transition, analogy, pattern, and association. Two additional modes related to space over time, change and movement, were also assessed. The central research question in this study is: What are the effects of a pre-service teacher education earth science content course (Geography 1900) that is conceptually designed and inquirybased on …

Spanish Science Resources For A Kindergarten Dual Language Classroom, Carmen Lorena Yanez

All Graduate Projects

The high population of English Language Learners (ELL) in the United States has impacted the educational system. Accountability for meeting high stakes tests and state standards has been a constant pressure for many schools that have a high concentration of ELL. School districts have adopted different programs to meet the needs of ELL. These programs focus on making academic content more relevant and comprehensible so students can meet state standards. One of the programs that has proven to be successful in meeting ELL needs is dual language. However, a challenge for many dual language programs that target English and Spanish …

Problem Solving Based Instruction In The High School Mathematics Classroom, Lawrence Vettleson, Jr.

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This paper is a review of research pertaining to the use of problem solving in classroom instruction. It covers the stages of problems solving as listed by George Polya and how they can be used to enhance mathematics instruction. This research paper will identify that problem solving is a need based on Minnesota state mathematics standards and National mathematics standards. Covered in this paper is the research on the effects of mathematics instruction using problem solving. The research covers some of the benefits to student education if students learn mathematics using a problem solving based approach to classroom instruction.

Assessing The Effect Of Simulation Models On Systems Learning In An Introductory Environmental Science Course, Heather J. Skaza

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence within the systems dynamics community supporting the use of systems simulations in the classroom to improve student understanding, there is little published, controlled, experimental research. This paper describes the results of a paired experiment testing the effect of using system dynamics simulations to increase systems understanding in an introductory environmental science course. We believed that the students using the systems simulations would demonstrate a greater systemic understanding of environmental issues than those who did not.

We conducted an experiment during the fall semester of 2009, with 304 students enrolled in four sections of …

Project Stimmulis: Science Teachers Integrating Mathematical Modeling For Undergraduate Learning And Instruction In Schools, William Robertson, David Carrego

Selected Works Temporary Series

Computer-based mathematical modeling in Physics is a process of constructing models of concepts and the relationships between them in the scientific characteristics of work. In this manner, computer-based modeling integrates the interactions of natural phenomenon through the use of models, which provide structure for theories and a base for experimentation. Utilizing this method, scientists construct knowledge, and in like manner, students in science construct their understandings in significant ways, addressing their preconceptions and their knowledge of concepts in physics. Project STIMMULIS provides a mathematical modeling context for pre-service mathematics and science teachers’ conceptual and applied understanding of motion. Project STIMMULIS …

Project Stimmulis: Science Teachers Integrating Mathematical Modeling For Undergraduate Learning And Instruction In Schools, William Robertson, David Carrego

Departmental Papers (TE)

Computer-based mathematical modeling in Physics is a process of constructing models of concepts and the relationships between them in the scientific characteristics of work. In this manner, computer-based modeling integrates the interactions of natural phenomenon through the use of models, which provide structure for theories and a base for experimentation. Utilizing this method, scientists construct knowledge, and in like manner, students in science construct their understandings in significant ways, addressing their preconceptions and their knowledge of concepts in physics. Project STIMMULIS provides a mathematical modeling context for pre-service mathematics and science teachers’ conceptual and applied understanding of motion. Project STIMMULIS …

Dr. Skateboard’S Action Science: Increasing Science Knowledge And Skills For Middle School Teachers, William Robertson

Selected Works Temporary Series

Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science maps to the physical science Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) standards that all middle school students need to learn. Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science explores scientific concepts in a curriculum supplement that is designed to address both physical science content and process skills. The video instruction focuses on fundamental concepts found in the areas of motion, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. The use of familiar activities, situations and objects, such as skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX), around which students can explore and explain scientific concepts can be defined as action science. The main …

Dr. Skateboard’S Action Science: Increasing Science Knowledge And Skills For Middle School Teachers, William Robertson

Departmental Papers (TE)

Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science maps to the physical science Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) standards that all middle school students need to learn. Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science explores scientific concepts in a curriculum supplement that is designed to address both physical science content and process skills. The video instruction focuses on fundamental concepts found in the areas of motion, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. The use of familiar activities, situations and objects, such as skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX), around which students can explore and explain scientific concepts can be defined as action science. The main …

Research Poster: Trends In Climate Change Education In Nevada's System Of Higher Education, Amy Northrup

2010 Annual Nevada NSF EPSCoR Climate Change Conference

Research poster

Addressing Impulsive Disposition: Using Non-Proportional Problems To Overcome Overgeneralization Of Proportionality, Kien Lim, Osvaldo Morera

Departmental Papers (Math)

Impulsive disposition is an undesirable way of thinking where one spontaneously applies the first idea that comes to mind without checking its relevance. In this research, we explore (a) the possibility of helping pre-service teachers improve their disposition, from being impulsive to being analytic, in one semester, and (b) the effect of using non-proportional situations. This study involves two sections of a mathematics course for pre-service teachers for Grades 4-8. The lessons were designed whenever possible to elicit students’ impulsive disposition so that they could become cognizant of it and make conscious attempts to overcome it. Some test items were …

Re-Imagining Specialized Stem Academies: Igniting And Nurturing ‘Decidedly Different Minds,’ By Design, Stephanie Pace Marshall

Publications & Research

This article offers a personal vision and conceptual design for reimagining specialized science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academies designed to nurture decidedly different STEM minds and ignite a new generation of global STEM talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership. This design enables students to engage actively in the authentic work, modes of inquiry, and practices that distinguish four STEM learning cultures, environments, and communities: (a) Inquiry and Research Laboratory and Interdisciplinary Learning Center—develops disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based thinking; (b) Innovation Incubator and Design Studio—ignites innovative and design-based thinking; (c) Global Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Institute—nurtures change leadership and systems-based thinking; …

A Vision For Acms, James Bradley

ACMS Journal 2010-2011

This paper presents a vision for the mission of the ACMS. It considers some plausible connections between mathematics and theology as well as some big questions that Christian mathematicians might fruitfully explore. It examines the current cultural norms of the mathematics guild, why these are problematic for Christians, and some possible ways the ACMS might respond.

The Relationship Between Core-Plus Mathematics Project And Student Achievement, Karen Renee Treadway-Harvel

Wayne State University Dissertations

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) study revealed that test scores from high school students were below average in mathematics and science. Studies show that part of it stem from the traditional methods of teaching rather than the standards-based teaching. According to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, students should receive a rigorous and relevant curriculum. The High School Content Expectations (HSCE) is a set of objectives that meet this criteria but the current curriculum still uses traditionally-based curriculum. More than 80% of textbooks located in schools today are traditionally-based. Moreover, teachers who are teaching have been …

Mathematics Professional Development Workshop For Middle School Teachers: Concept Versus Memorization, D. Taylor, R. W. Farley

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article includes professional development topics for middle school mathematics and science teachers from two week-long Urban Teacher Institutes. These Institutes were held at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) and its partner institution, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), during the summers of 2007 and 2008, and were supported by a grant obtained by Dr. Harriet Morrison (JSRCC). Co-author Dr. Dewey Taylor directed the 2007 workshop, and both authors served as faculty leaders in both workshops. The workshops focused on teaching in an urban environment and "community mapping" (understanding the details of a certain locale to make the teacher more knowledgeable …

Aims & Scope

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Cooperative Groups On Math Anxiety, Melissa Batton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research indicates that many students have difficulty with mathematics, which can be attributed to many factors including math anxiety. Students who experience math anxiety have poor attitudes towards mathematics and perform below grade level based on class and statewide assessments. The purpose of this quasi-experimental quantitative study was to investigate the effectiveness of cooperative groups on the math anxiety levels of Grade 5 male and female students. The theoretical foundation of the study included Vygotsky's social learning and Piaget's concept of knowledge. Thirty-two students from 2 Grade 5 classrooms were administered the pre and post MASC inventory. A repeated-measure ANOVA …

Preservice Secondary School Mathematics Teachers' Subject Matter Knowledge Of Perimeter And Area., Wun Thiam Yew

Student Works (2010-2019)

The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice secondary school mathematics teachers (PSSMTs)' subject matter knowledge (SMK) of perimeter and area. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate PSSMTs’ five basic types of knowledge of perimeter and area, namely conceptual knowledge (CK), procedural knowledge (PK), linguistic knowledge (LK), strategic knowledge (SK), and ethical knowledge (EK). This study also aimed to investigate PSSMTs' levels (low, medium, high) of SMK of perimeter and area. Data of this study was collected using clinical interview technique. Interview sessions were recorded using digital video camera and tape recorder. Subjects of this study consisted of eight …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 24, Winter 2010), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

How Teachers Learn: The Impact Of Content Expectations On Learning Outcomes, J. Reyes

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.