Who produces knowledge? Transforming undergraduate students’ views of science through participatory action research
Abstract: Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) that include interdisciplinary, engagement‐oriented, and collaborative experiences have the potential to benefit students in unique ways. Through these innovative experiences, students are able to see the social impact and importance of their work—a factor known to strengthen the academic and career persistence of students traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering,...
Read More → about Who produces knowledge? Transforming undergraduate students’ views of science through participatory action research
Toward Meaningful Interdisciplinary Education: High School Teachers’ Views of Mathematics and Science Integration
Abstract: Numerous national initiatives call for interdisciplinary mathematics and science education, but few empirical studies have examined practical considerations for integrated instruction in high school settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold. First, the study sought to describe how and to what extent teachers integrate mathematics and science curricula in their classrooms after...
Read More → about Toward Meaningful Interdisciplinary Education: High School Teachers’ Views of Mathematics and Science Integration
Neuroscience Experiment Kits for Students
Muscles Alive!, a neuroscience education outreach program led by researchers from the Neuromuscular Function Lab at Colorado State University teamed up with Backyard Brains to provide affordable neuroscience experiment kits for students of all ages to learn about electrophysiology. These Human EMG devices were recently showcased at the USA Science and Engineering Festival and on...
Read More → about Neuroscience Experiment Kits for Students
Student Perceptions of Interest, Learning, and Engagement from an Informal Traveling Science Museum
Abstract: Informal Science Education (ISE) programs have been increasing in popularity in recent years. The National Research Council has laid out six strands that ISE programs should try to address, including increasing interest, knowledge, and allowing participants to engage in scientific activities. Past research suggests that informal settings can increase interest in science and may...
Read More → about Student Perceptions of Interest, Learning, and Engagement from an Informal Traveling Science Museum
2014-2015 Report
This report provides details about the CSU STEM Center’s activities for the period of October 2013 to September 2015. Since the founding of the Center in 2011, Center staff has been highly productive in achieving the three goals laid out by the original subcommittee. COVER PHOTO: “Blue Flower Sun” by Devin Brown Credit: Devin K....
Read More → about 2014-2015 Report
Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Abstract: We present a new conceptual model situating research experiences for undergraduates within a context of participatory action research. The purpose of the theoretically grounded Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates (PAREU) model is to act as a second year addition to traditional, lab-based research experiences where undergraduate science students, social science experts, and community...
Read More → about Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Abstract: Research experiences for undergraduates (REU) have been shown to be effective in improving undergraduate students’ personal/professional development, ability to synthesize knowledge, improvement in research skills, professional advancement, and career choice. Adding to the literature on REU programs, a new conceptual model situating REU within a context of participatory action research (PAR) is presented and...
Read More → about Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates
2011-2013 Report
In January of 2011, CSU created a new center to facilitate activities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education This CSU STEM report provides details about the CSU STEM Center’s activities for the period of January 2011 through October 2013. COVER PHOTO:Tiny Pores in Nanoporous Gold Credit: Erkin Şeker, UC Davis...
Read More → about 2011-2013 Report
An organizational model to distinguish between and integrate research and evaluation activities in a theory based evaluation
Abstract: Theory-based evaluation (TBE) is an evaluation method that shows how a program will work under certain conditions and has been supported as a viable, evidence-based option in cases where randomized trials or high-quality quasi-experiments are not feasible. Despite the model’s widely accepted theoretical appeal there are few examples of its well-implemented use, probably due...
Read More → about An organizational model to distinguish between and integrate research and evaluation activities in a theory based evaluation
Effects of a Teacher Professional Development Program on the Mathematics Achievement of Middle School Students
Abstract: The effect of a 15- to 24-month in-service professional development program on state accountability mathematics test scores for middle school students was examined. Results showed that students’ odds of achieving a score of Proficient or better increased with teacher participation in the PD program.
Read More → about Effects of a Teacher Professional Development Program on the Mathematics Achievement of Middle School Students
