Changing views on assessment for STEM project-based learning

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Project-Based Learning (PBL) integrates assessment methods across different aspects of learning experiences. While STEM PBL shifts the focus of attention from summative to formative assessment, a greater attention is given to the interpersonal domain. Because of the nature of STEM PBL, which is centered on developing real-world projects where students can apply their understandings of various concepts, authentic assessment underlies both formative and summative assessment tasks through technology, such as classroom response systems, and rubrics. Authentic assessment in STEM PBL helps students transition from an authority-imposed regulation to the self-regulation of their learning. Therefore, assessment in STEM PBL is inextricably interwoven with pedagogy through integrated assessment methods that develop the whole person, stimulate creativity, and foster individualized group responsibility. © 2013 Sense Publishers. All rights reserved

Impact of sustained professional development in STEM on outcome measures in a diverse urban district

Sustained professional development can support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) reform. The authors describe a 3-year study of sustained professional development for 3 diverse urban schools across the salient factors of fidelity of implementation of project-based learning, development of professional learning communities, and student achievement. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The students who experienced the greatest fidelity of implementation exhibited the greatest gains (d = 1.41-2.03) on standardized test scores, while those with the lowest fidelity of implementation exhibited negative gains (d = -0.16 to -0.08). Qualitative data indicated teachers perceived there were multiple benefits from the implementation of project-based learning. © 2016 Taylor & Francis

National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic

Changing collective behaviour and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated self-reported factors associated with public health behaviours (e.g., spatial distancing and stricter hygiene) and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual behaviour change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = −0.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.publishedVersio

Introducing STEM education: Implications for educating our teachers for the age of innovation

Reforms in education of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines have been particularly critical for the economic competitiveness of Turkey. There has been some criticism of the reforms at the teacher education level, claiming that Turkish teachers were not prepared to address the needs of their profession. The authors of this article introduced the STEM education model, which was designed with a critical investigation of the previous research on curriculum integration, STEM education, teaching knowledge, and Turkish educational reforms. By focusing on the interaction of mathematics and science, the model emphasized the importance of integrated teaching knowledge to successfully transition from the departmentalized model of teaching to an integrated model that promotes innovation

Transitions, inventories and aspirations. New learners and their longer-term learning goals

In the UK, Personal Development Planning (PDP) is now an important part of a student’s time at university. Its aim is to help students develop skills that will help them at university and in the workplace. However, research has shown that students do not always engage with this element of the curriculum. The aim of this article is to report on an intervention designed to encourage reflection in this area. For this study work was undertaken with a group of new students making the transition to higher education. This article reports on the rationale for making the intervention and the impact, or otherwise, of introducing this cohort to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)