Citizen science, or the public participation in scientific research, is a mechanism for student engagement, and co-creation of knowledge in the scientific research process. Through participation in citizen science initiatives within school-based learning environments, students can gain field experience, direct project scope, and contribute to…

Multiple learning theories encourage the use of role models within K-12 settings and have guided research on role model representation to diversify the pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Research has been clear on benefits of using role models, primarily focused on promoting gender and racial/ethnic…

Mindsets have been shown to greatly influence individuals' efforts and subsequent success in the endeavors they attempt. This is particularly true of mathematical endeavors where mindset impacts the ways in which individuals approach and persevere in learning. This exploratory study investigated the mathematical mindsets held by 242 prospective…

Science teachers play a vital role in the education of students and their learning outcomes. Beyond academic performance and content knowledge, how one feels about science can influence how they teach and how students learn. It is important for educators, and teacher educators to reflect on their past experiences and decipher what experiences…

This paper presents qualitative and quantitative approaches to exploring teachers' experiences of mathematics anxiety (for learning and doing mathematics) and mathematics teaching anxiety (for instructing others in mathematics), the relationship between these types of anxiety and test/evaluation anxiety, and the impacts of anxiety on experiences…

The current school system lacks adequate racial representation among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers, particularly among Black and Latinx populations. This is a critical equity issue due to the increasing racial diversity of the student population and the benefits of race congruence between teachers and students.…

With the recent national emphasis on preparing children for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, K-12 teachers are being called upon to include engineering in their instruction. This study explores the impacts of a summer professional development (PD) program focused on the engineering applications of mathematics…

Efforts to measure teacher self-efficacy beliefs have built upon the theories of Albert Bandura. Continuing in that vein, the purpose of this study was to develop a measure that assesses teachers' efficacy and expectancy beliefs regarding teaching mathematics with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and mathematical practices, and to use this…

Digital games (e.g., video games or computer games) have been reported as an effective educational method that can improve students' motivation and performance in mathematics education. This meta-analysis study (a) investigates the current trend of digital game-based learning (DGBL) by reviewing the research studies on the use of DGBL for…

Despite monetary and educational investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) being at record high levels, little attention has been devoted to generating a common understanding of STEM. In addition, working with business, K-12 schools, and/or institutions of higher education to establish a grassroots effort to help…

This study is within the framework of the United Nations sustainable development goals related to equitable quality education. The total score on the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study that indicated eighth-grade girls in Jordan significantly outperformed boys is hiding many details related to the quality of mathematics…

The goal of this research was to examine adults' and children's perceptions of participating in a family science night event, especially in the context of parental belief about children's science abilities. Family science nights are becoming increasingly popular and are used in a wide range of settings. During family science nights, adults and…

The U.S. educational system is undergoing rapid and substantial changes with many states grappling with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM). Important research questions remain unanswered regarding the potential efficacy of the CCSSM to improve student math performance compared with students around the globe.…

Since slope is a fundamental topic that is embedded throughout the U.S. secondary school curriculum, this study examined standards documents for all 50 states to determine how they address the concept of slope. The study used eleven conceptualizations of slope as categories to classify the material in the documents. The findings indicate that all…

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the experiences that nationally award-winning, exemplary science teachers have had over their career and examine the alignment of their responses with calls for K-12 science education reform from a selection of prominent commissioned government reports since 1980. From an assessment of the…