Professors publish paper on pedagogical practice

Dr. Karen Yanowitz, Psychology, Dr. Tanja McKay, Entomology, Dr. Ann Ross, Teacher Education, and Dr. Staria Vanderpool, Lincoln University/adjunct Botany, recently published an article titled “CSI: Creating Student (and Teacher) Investigators: Using Popular Culture in Professional Development” in the Journal of Technology and Teacher Education (JTATE). The research (funded by NSF 05-621 Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers – ITEST)  examined the impact that participating in a year-long professional development program had on 7-12th grade science teachers’ pedagogical practices. Results revealed teachers were enthusiastic about reform-based pedagogy learned in the institute. Furthermore, many teachers implemented forensic science activities with their own classes during the academic year, using principles covered in the institute. Teachers believed the institute supported their activities, and acted as change-agents in their schools.