Developing Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills: Bioengineering Research Experience for Science Teachers

• In Event: Innovations in Teacher Professional Development

Abstract

The purpose of this research in progress is to examine the outcomes of the summer Bioengineering Experience for Science Teachers (BEST) program at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The summer research experience will provide an opportunity for science teachers to spend time in bioengineering research labs and use the experience to create a curriculum for use in their own classrooms. The research seeks to evaluate the program and its impact on BEST teacher fellows’ depth of content knowledge and pedagogical skills in bioengineering and educational practices. As teacher fellows complete ongoing surveys throughout the program, results will highlight the impact of the BEST program on teachers’ pedagogical skills, content knowledge, and teaching practice. Research will also help to inform program faculty about obstacles or supports that exist during the program to facilitate their ability to develop their knowledge and pedagogical skills.

Authors

• Jennifer D. Olson, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Andria Shyjka, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Miiri Kotche, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Christopher Miller, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Sam Dreyer, University of Illinois at Chicago