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What's The Research On...?

Mathematics and Science Education

WCER has long been known for its focus on reforming mathematics and science education. Its five-year National Institute for Science Education contributed a range of accomplishments: Its interdisciplinary research teams produced a theory of successful systemic change, a book on professional development for math and science teachers, and a groundbreaking study of cooperative learning in college level math and science. The Why Files science web site still serves as a combination public service, outreach tool, and teacher gathering place. NISE research also produced resources enabling college-level math and science instructors to design more effective assessments of student learning. Technology is profoundly changing what can be taught in undergraduate math and science courses, and how it is taught. Integrating technology into math and science instruction continues to provide new insights into teaching and learning,

Students from minority populations have been traditionally underrepresented in mathematics and science fields. WCER research addresses ways to increase achievement among minority student populations, at K-12 levels and in higher education.

Math and science teachers deserve professional development that’s more engaging and more effective in improving student achievement. Professional development should be grounded in teacher inquiry and student conceptual understanding. Case studies of four professional development programs underscored the importance of assessing their progress at many points along the way. Inservice professional development better influences student achievement by focusing on teachers' subject matter knowledge and on how students learn, rather than on discussing the format of the programs or on teachers' pedagogical strategies. A book by WCER researchers describes a framework for designing inservice professional development for K-12 science and mathematics teachers and includes descriptions and examples of 15 different professional development strategies and critical issues to be addressed.

Another important part of WCER’s research into mathematics and science education involves helping districts and states better align standards with assessments and, on a larger scale, facilitating reform system wide. WCER research has developed analytic techniques for studying the effects of systemic change on growth in student learning over time.