There are many reasons students fail to achieve in STEM related fields post high school. For example, students may spend too much time receiving teacher centered lessons that focus primarily on vocabulary building and concept recognition. These lessons may not necessarily promote understanding or encourage students to learn other skills than…

Four newly released peer-reviewed research studies show that using rigorous project-based learning in U.S. public schools has strong and positive effects on student outcomes across grades and subjects. Project-based learning (PBL) is an inquiry-based approach in which students explore real-world problems through individual and group projects. With…

The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing teacher retention in project-based learning (PBL) schools. Ascertaining these factors and devising a list of best practices could aid both PBL and non-PBL schools in bolstering their schools' teacher retention rates. School administrators could examine the research to extrapolate…

This paper presents the results of an inquiry into a creative, whole-school integrative learning project that started with posing a 'big question'. Data were generated to deepen understanding regarding the effects of implementing creative project-based learning Hi on student lived experience and student attitudes toward learning. Research on…

Problem-based learning (PBL) emerged during the 1970s in response to demands for active learning methods capable of developing transferable knowledge and skills in the training of doctors. Over succeeding decades, PBL was gradually adopted in other fields of education. This systematic review aimed to identify key streams of theory and empirical…

We experimentally assessed the efficacy of two online instructional methods, guided inquiry and video, on learning and conceptual change, while also examining the relationship of student characteristics to these outcomes. Results indicate an interaction between mindset and instructional method for learning; additional learner characteristics may…

Creating a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) based on analysis from research requires the adaptation of MOOC pedagogies. For example, course designers need to follow certain design principles and adapt learning content to the pedagogies and constraints of a MOOC platform. That said, this paper outlines five different learning design principles…

No matter how school library standards evolve to address changes in society and educational research, certain intellectual freedom principles remain constant, including the principle to protect all learners' rights to freely access and explore information and ideas. The American Association of School Librarians' (AASL's) "National School…

Experiential, project-based learning is widely endorsed as an effective pedagogy for enhancing the understanding of theory, increasing critical thinking skills, and preparing students for future roles as contributing employees. Likewise, the use of online classes at universities is becoming popular. A logical evolution of course venues would be…

The use of online platform to conduct teaching and learning activities has becoming a new norm for teachers and students during this COVID-19 outbreak. In this commentary, we share our experiences of using online conferencing platform to promote active and interactive learning among students. We also suggest approaches that teachers can use to…

Reconciling broad educational goals of job-readiness with specific work task-related qualifications or competences poses challenges for vocational teachers. To assist efforts to address these challenges, this article explores knowledge practices of project-based vocational instruction in Swedish upper secondary vocational education and training,…

This contribution presents and discusses the methodology and results of a panel study analyzing the effects of a simulation on students' learning outcomes. The focus is on how sustainable knowledge acquisition can be enhanced through participation in simulation as well as on presenting and discussing one way this learning can be analyzed. The…

The concept of air-having pressure needs to be understood by students so that they can understand natural phenomena related to the air concept. The characteristic of the abstract concept of air having pressure leads students to misconceptions. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in students' conceptions of the air-having pressure…

As STEM education becomes more prominent at the school level, many possibilities could be suggested for beginning experiences to create a foundation for young students as they begin their journeys with respect to STEM learning. The research reported here is based on the premise that building statistical understanding will enhance young students'…

We present an outline for a year-long training session for potential departmental leaders. This outline is based on training led by the author over one academic year. The training consists of nine sessions with an emphasis on active learning among the participants.