Development of Diverse Multi-tier Research Teams for

Implementation of Action Research

Sponsored by NSF DUE 0119046PI: 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, DCMarch 14, 2004

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

Program Background

Robert Noyce Scholarship Program-

The Scholarships/Stipends and Mentoring Support (SSaMS)

Participants1. Pre-service teachers who are juniors or seniors

with STEM majors2. STEM professionals who are career changers

(ATCP)

Goals:1. Increase the number of teachers qualified to teach

mathematics and science K-122. 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

Chemistry13%

Biology23%

Physics1%

Engineers1%

math62%

Noyce Participants

36%

64%

ATCP

STEM

Project participants according to programs.

Project participants according to majors and/or degrees.

Program Model

University

Faculty

SchoolFaculty

Noyce/PETE

Scholar

Research Team

Action Research in the Real WorldOf 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 StudentsAuthors: 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 ClassroomsAuthors: 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 SettingAuthor: 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 LearningAuthors: Edna Amador, Laura Judith Calderon, Tracy Fernandez, Cindy Holmes Faculty Mentor: Dr. E. Hampton (Teacher Education)

Early Development of Middle Grades Students’ Advanced Calculus ConceptsAuthors: 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