This dissertation is aimed at articulating and empirically characterizing an expansive orientation to field-based socio-ecological systems learning that elevates participatory and ethically-engaged approaches to teaching and learning. Grounded in relational ways of knowing, this dissertation works to expand and transform normative educational…

Though job opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) continue to expand in the United States, people on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while in school are continually disadvantaged in future STEM-based career possibilities. Studies have shown that students on IEPs are far less likely to major in a STEM degree…

This study assesses the role a teacher-led social studies group played in the evolution of three teachers' professional biographies over the course of seven years. It uses a conceptual framework based on Priestley, Biesta and Robinson's (2015) theory of teacher agency to explore the ecological relationships between professional biography, the…

Genius Hour, also known as 20% Time, was coined by Daniel Pink (2009) and is an inquiry-based approach to business and learning grounded in autonomy and intrinsic motivation, ultimately, encouraging critical, creative thinking and problem-solving (Juliani, 2016).The review of related literature examined a specific type of inquiry-based learning…

Over the last decade, STEM education research has reflected a turn towards framing disciplinary development in STEM as the repetition and stabilization of situated practices. In this dissertation, I turn further: towards "disciplinary relationships" as a potential focus of analysis. To centralize disciplinary relationships, I use a…

The aim of this research was to create spaces for kindergarten writers by collaborating with kindergarten teachers through action research cycles. The inquiry's problem of practice is situated in the understanding that writing instruction within kindergarten classrooms is being sidelined due to a drive to teach in ways aligned to a sub-skills…

Critical peace education sets forth a process-oriented pedagogy with key tenets that include inquiry, reflection, dialogue, critical value-assessment, and empowerment. Empowerment as tenet is unique because, when viewed comprehensively, it is recognized as an integral element required for the actualization of all other tenets within CPE. Although…

The purpose of this self-study was to examine my enactment of 3S Understanding, a holistic, democratic and inquiry-based curriculum theory, in a university-based, English-to-speakers-of-other-languages (ESOL) writing course grounded in Subject Learning, Self Learning, and Social Learning. Through disciplined reflective inquiry and collaboration…

Physics classrooms, from high school through graduate school, chronically enroll far too few women, people of color, English language learners, and low-income students. Research suggests students' science identity functions as a strong indicator for their continued pursuit of physics coursework and careers. Further research indicates students'…

Adapting to and participating in technology-enhanced classrooms is challenging for both students and teachers. An emerging need in K-12 STEM classrooms is to investigate how students and teachers use learning technology to engage and practice scientific inquiry. Recent researchers have focused on designing orchestration technology to assist…

The post-pandemic classroom dealt with not only the mental health struggles of educators and students, but also the technological and virtual learning dependence in a time ridden with misinformation. At this time, it was important to not only consider the purpose and intent of science education as a learning experience, but also pedagogical…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how secondary teachers describe the role that the elements of the community of inquiry framework (social, cognitive, and teaching presence) play in a virtual learning environment in a rural school district in South Carolina. The community of inquiry framework was used to guide the…

With over 44% of new teachers leaving the profession in the first five years, it is important for teacher education programs to consider how to prepare preservice teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy to take on the challenges they will face in the K-12 school system (Ingersoll et al., 2018). Clinically rich methods courses…

The past 30 years have witnessed unprecedented social and political polarization alongside a mental health crisis, disproportionately affecting youth and further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Largely because of these pressures on teachers and students, and despite recent political backlash, social and emotional learning (SEL), has become…

Parental perception of the importance of science education and parental perceptions and use of active learning and inquiry-based practices in the context of homeschool science education represent a clear gap in the existing literature. This quantitative survey research study was designed to discover, analyze, and quantify parents' perceptions of…