Development of Diverse Multi-tier Research Teams for Implementation of Action Research

Sponsored by NSF DUE 0119046 PI: Arturo Pacheco and Co-PI: Tom Brady

Mourat Tchoshanov, Sally Blake, Antonio Borunda, and Karla Heureca The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

TPPI Meeting Washington, DC March 14, 2004

Program Background

PETE Follow-up Study 1. Evolved from NSF/CETP Programs 2. Collaborative effort with Colleges of Education and Science and the El Paso Community College 3. Reform in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science 4. Follow-up to document and assess the impact of PETE 5. Support for graduate students

Robert Noyce Scholarship Program The Scholarships/Stipends and Mentoring Support (SSaMS) Participants 1.

Pre-service teachers who are juniors or seniors with STEM 2.

majors STEM professionals who are career changers (ATCP) Goals: 1. Increase the number of teachers qualified to teach mathematics and science K-12 2. Develop communities of practice around teaching and research into the teaching of mathematics and science 3. Create a mentoring program to support induction, retention, and increased professionalism through research teams

Project participants according to programs.

64%

Noyce Participants

36% ATCP STEM math 62% Chemistry 13% Biology 23% Physics 1% Engineers 1% Project participants according to majors and/or degrees.

University Faculty Program Model Research Team School Faculty Noyce/PETE Scholar Action Research in the Real World Of Teaching and Learning

Program Activities

• Bi-monthly seminars: Teams meet twice a month for research seminars.

• Speakers present different research problems for discussion.

• Mentors meet weekly with teams to plan and implement research.

• Teams present work at MIE Research Expo and Professional Conferences.

• Teams submit papers to professional journals.

• Summer program participation in experimental teaching projects.

• • • • • • • • • •

What happens in the seminars

Research articles shared All mentors discuss their research experiences Groups plan out their research questions Conduct Literature Review Data Collection Data analysis and interpretation Develop paper and presentation Presentation of results Discussion focusing on implications for practice and future research Submission of research paper

Completed Projects

The Influence of Developmental Levels of Thinking on Understanding Of Advanced Mathematical Concepts in Middle School Students Authors

: Sue Spotts and Alex Bustillos (PETE Scholars, Wiggs Middle School)

Faculty Mentors:

Dr. M. Tchoshanov, Dr. S. Blake (Teacher Education)

The Technology Based versus Seatwork Math Problem Solving Strategies in Elementary Classrooms Authors

: Mary Gholson (Graduate Student, Alternative Certification), Karen Hernandez (Graduate Student, Alternative Certification)

Faculty Mentor

: Dr. M. Suskavcevic (Physics)

Completed Projects (cont.)

Exploring Variables That Affect Performance of Students in Developmental Mathematics Authors

: Edith Aguirre (Graduate Student, Department of Mathematics), Gabriel Cervantes (Instructor, Developmental Mathematics)

Faculty Mentors

: Dr. J. Staniswalis (Mathematics), Dr. S. Blake (Teacher Education), and Dr. M. Suskavcevic (Physics)

Improving Students Attitudes and Understanding of Science Using Polarizers Author

: Steven H. Jolley (Senior, Department of Chemistry)

Faculty Mentor

: Dr. J. Salvador (Chemistry)

Site:

John L. Chapin High School, Dr. Carla Gonzales (Principal), Javier Figueroa (Faculty)

Completed Projects (cont.)

Visual Calculus In an Alternative Educational Setting Author

: Moises Cortez (Graduate Student, Department of Education)

Faculty Mentor

: Dr. S. Blake and Dr. M. Tchoshanov (Teacher Education)

Women Between Cultures:

An Action Research Project Exploring Middle School Mexican-American Girls Science Learning

Authors

: Edna Amador, Laura Judith Calderon, Tracy Fernandez, Cindy Holmes

Faculty Mentor

: Dr. E. Hampton (Teacher Education)

Early Development of Middle Grades Students’ Advanced Calculus Concepts Authors

: Karla Huereca (Senior, Mathematics), Donald Hodgson (Burgess High School), Antonio Borunda (Bowie High School)

Faculty Mentors

: Dr. S. Blake and Dr. M. Tchoshanov (Teacher Education)

Future Plans

•

Extend the program to include

• •

more faculty mentors Work in more schools Refine program components