Blueprint for Change in a Time of Disruption

• In Event: Reorientation and Transformation in Educational Change

Abstract

During the COVID epidemic, teachers became dependent as never before on using technology. Equity concerns became even more pronounced, largely because of the lack of teacher preparation and support. A National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, in its last year of implementation, focused on the use of technology to engage teachers in making a shift from transmission teaching to inquiry-based, culturally responsive project development in STEM. Results of quantitative and qualitative data reveal significant teacher-reported changes in instructional practices and significant changes in their understanding of STEM as a transdisciplinary subject. Follow-up surveys a year later revealed that the changes teachers initially reported were maintained. This research explores the evidence of change and sustainability in a time of upheaval.

Authors

• Ellen B. Meier, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Caron M. Mineo, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Xiaoxue Du, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Karina Gabriela Diaz Yanez, Columbia University

• Seth A. McCall, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Jessica Yusaitis-Pike, Teachers College, Columbia University