Science and Mathematics Education: International Innovations, Research, and Practices

Overview & Synopsis

The chapters in this book reflect the work of science and mathematics educators who have worked for many years at the international level. As members of the International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education, their work provides readers with issues, models, practices, and research results that have applicability and transferability to many countries other than those in which the work was carried out. The Introduction, written by Donna F. Berlin, describes the evolution, mission, and goals of the International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education since its inception in 1986. The Science Education section includes five chapters that present innovative ways to improve science teaching and learning in grades K-12 and in teacher education--both preservice and inservice--along with evaluative research. Mathematics Education, the second section in the book, includes eight chapters. The third and final section in the book is entitled Interdisciplinary Education: Beyond Discipline Boundaries. This section includes 10 chapters that focus upon the connections between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education or approaches/strategies that transcend discipline boundaries and can improve science and mathematics teaching and learning. Although describing a variety of research and development efforts, the chapters in this book are united in a vision that all students deserve and must have the opportunity to become mathematically and scientifically literate. To realize this goal, the chapters in this book can provide valuable ideas to improve science and mathematics teaching and learning for students at different grade levels with diverse characteristics as well as preservice and inservice teachers. Interesting research questions that can be used to shape a productive research agenda for the future are suggested throughout these chapters. The educational insights culled from these chapters transcend national boundaries and can truly benefit a global community.