Project Overview
STEM teaching and learning in place: Leveraging qualitative research to understand critical pedagogy and practices
Department(s)
Educational Studies
Abstract
This summer research opportunity focuses on critical place-based STEM education, offering explorations of instructional models centered on diverse natural environments such as the Arctic in Lapland and equatorial regions like the Galápagos. You will support the assessment of outcomes from a multi-year NSF-funded project aimed at improving K-12 curriculum and teacher preparation programs and identify areas of future study. Through this summer experience, you will develop advanced qualitative research skills, including interviewing techniques, open coding, and data thematization, while tailoring your research to align with your specific interests in STEM education. This position prioritizes students with a desire to teach K-12 or experience working with youth and requires an open mind, flexibility, and a strong interest in understanding STEM teaching and learning. A background in STEM is not required, but a commitment to careful, detail-oriented qualitative research is essential.
Student Qualifications
Student researchers should have an interest in social science qualitative methodology as well as STEM education. Ideally student researchers have previous experience with methods such as interviewing, survey construction, and verbatim transcription. Students need proficiency with the Google Suite, word processing programs, and will receive training on qualitative research software as appropriate. Student researchers need to be organized and communicative.
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
10 weeks
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