Spring 2015 Awards
Strand: Scholar-in-residence
Assessing Student Mathematization
Andrew Boudreaux
An ongoing collaboration between Rutgers, Western Washington University, and New Mexico State University has examined ways to promote and assess flexible and generative uses of mathematics in introductory physics. We have developed and field-tested more than 20 assessment questions in proportional reasoning, which collectively focus on interpretation of ratio and application of algebraic reasoning in context. A Scholar-in-Residence award will support Andrew Boudreaux's sabbatical visit to Rutgers to work with host Suzanne Brahmia. A primary goal is to assemble our existing questions into a valid measure of proportional reasoning that can be readily administered in introductory physics courses at all levels. With such an instrument, instructors can track development of students' mathematical sense making through a course or set of courses. Discussions with Dr. Jimmy de la Torre, faculty in the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and a national expert in educational testing, will help us move forward with this exciting next step in our work.
Strand: Organizer
Fostering collaborative qualitative research in junior faculty
Scott Franklin and Eleanor Sayre
This project extends the opportunity for qualitative research to junior faculty by 1) fostering the development of qualitative research methodology, including acquiring, transcribing and analyzing video data; 2) building community within PER and across disciplines; and 3) developing a model experience that promotes publication and dissemination of results. Project participants will study undergraduate students in an existing two-week experience for first-generation and deaf/hard-of-hearing STEM majors that centers on reflective, metacognitive scientific practice. Participants observe and record morning scientific sessions and/or afternoon reflective sessions and spend evenings analyzing video, identifying themes in student work, and generating research questions. A rich variety of topics can be explored, e.g. student self-awareness and assessment, sense of identity, transition from novice to expert, and modes of discourse. Participants are guided to develop narratives from the video and given direct mentoring in writing so as to leave with significant progress made toward a peer-reviewed journal article.
Retention and Representation Programs: Travel Support for Invited Speakers
Dimitri Dounas-Frazer
At the 2014 AAPT Summer Meeting, the Committees on Diversity in Physics and Research in Physics Education agreed to co-sponsor an invited session called "Retention and Representation Programs," to be held the following summer. The session will highlight efforts to support diversity and retention in the physical sciences through the Access Network, a coalition of six programs across the country, each committed to improving diversity and equity in STEM. Member programs include: (1) The Compass Project, University of California Berkeley; (2) CU-Prime, University of Colorado Boulder; (3) Focus on Physics, University of Maryland College Park; (4) IMPRESS, Rochester Institute of Technology; (5) S-STEM Scholars, Chicago State University; and (6) The Sundial Project, Arizona State University. This proposal seeks travel support for three student representatives of Access sites to attend the 2015 AAPT Summer Meeting and present about their equity-oriented work in the session on "Retention and Representation Programs."
Strand: Travel
Trevor I. Smith
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Anna Karelina
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Brant Hinrichs
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Ulas Ustun
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
John M. Aiken
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and participate in panel session.
Bethany Reilly
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and present work.
Remy Dou
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Hannah Sabo
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Timothy French
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
Qing Ryan
Funding to attend 2015 Summer AAPT meeting and PERC and present work.
