Stephen Witzig, PhD

This course will introduce students to fundamental problems pertaining to mathematics education that have been instrumental to constitute and define it as a research field The students will be introduced to important ideas in the field and why these ideas are significant in defining the activity of research in mathematics education. The study of how these theoretical and pragmatic problems have been approached by a community of researchers, will help the students to understand, in broad terms, the nature of research in the field and, at the same time, offer a panorama of new areas of inquiry that are being transformed presently, into research programs.

Fundamental conversations and issues related to science education. Exploration of the important historical, social, and philosophical contexts that have, and continue to, define science education research. The study of how theoretical, epistemological, and pragmatic problems have been approached by communities of researchers will help the students understand, in broad terms, the nature of research in science education as well as offer a landscape for potential areas of inquiry and research programs in the field.

Contemporary theories of learning in STEM education. The course helps students understand ways of knowing and how this drives research and applies to research in STEM education. Particular attention will be given to enabling students to situate their research in relevant theoretical frameworks and understand the implications of theoretical frameworks on research design.

STEM curriculum design, development, implementation, and reform. Students will focus on analyzing grades K-16 curriculum, intentions for students' learning outcomes, associated pedagogical styles and integration. Students will examine existing reform and basal curricula texts, and the development of new activities and activity structures that replace or transform existing texts based upon present STEM education theory and new technologies. Students will also be introduced to issues behind curricula reform and integration focusing on fidelity of implementation.

An internship conducted at a local research institution, the Kaput Center or at an institution out of state or internationally. Students will be mentored by an adjunct research associate at the host institute to develop their research skills in the field including data collection and analysis, and enhancing their awareness of the complexities of educational research.

Focuses on developing the dissertation proposal, including conducting a full literature review, identifying the theoretical perspectives and relevant research framing the proposed dissertation research, a clear statement of the research questions and significance of the problem, a description of the research methods and design, and a work plan that identifies how data will be collected and analyzed.

Focuses on developing the dissertation proposal, including conducting a full literature review, identifying the theoretical perspectives and relevant research framing the proposed dissertation research, a clear statement of the research questions and significance of the problem, a description of the research methods and design, and a work plan that identifies how data will be collected and analyzed.

Focuses on developing the dissertation proposal, including conducting a full literature review, identifying the theoretical perspectives and relevant research framing the proposed dissertation research, a clear statement of the research questions and significance of the problem, a description of the research methods and design, and a work plan that identifies how data will be collected and analyzed.

Focuses on developing the dissertation proposal, including conducting a full literature review, identifying the theoretical perspectives and relevant research framing the proposed dissertation research, a clear statement of the research questions and significance of the problem, a description of the research methods and design, and a work plan that identifies how data will be collected and analyzed.