Theory-Practice Divides and the Persistent Challenges of Embedding Tools for Social Justice in a STEM Urban Teacher Residency Program

This study examined how the concept of social justice was operationalized in the university coursework of students enrolled in an urban teacher residency program that aims to diversify the teaching corps and prepare secondary STEM teachers for urban classroom environments. Based on analysis of 39 syllabi and interviews with nine faculty members, we found that challenges in embedding social justice theory with STEM content knowledge were attributable to the lack of a shared definition among program faculty, and external pressures imposed by state teacher credentialing requirements. We conclude with recommendations for practice by suggesting ways that rigorous STEM content knowledge can be combined with locally and historically contextualized social critique and tools for change in order to support teachers in enacting justice-oriented practice in communities.

An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey Study of Elementary Teachers’ Conceptions and Methods of STEM Integration

Because elementary teachers are typically responsible for teaching all subjects, there is a unique opportunity for integrative approaches to teaching iSTEM Education at the elementary level (Becker & Park, 2011). However, there is a need for professional development if teachers are to be successful in teaching iSTEM Education (NRC, 2011), as elementary teachers may lack strong content knowledge in STEM disciplines (Ginns & Watters, 1995; Trygstad, 2013; Honey et al., 2014; Fulp, 2002; Ma, 1999; Hanover, 2012). Elementary teachers are prepared as generalists--they take few courses in STEM content, and experiences with iSTEM Education in their teacher preparation programs are rare (Fulp, 2002). Beyond the need for professional development related to STEM content knowledge, however, we know very little about the unique needs of elementary teachers regarding instructional approaches to iSTEM Education. This study examines and describes the ways in which elementary teachers conceptualize iSTEM Education and the integrative approaches they use when teaching STEM content, with the intent to inform the development of elementary specific iSTEM Education professional development.

An exploratory cross-sectional survey study of elementary teachers' conceptions and methods of STEM integration

Because elementary teachers are typically responsible for teaching all subjects, there is a unique opportunity for integrative approaches to teaching iSTEM Education at the elementary level (Becker and Park, 2011). However, there is a need for professional development if teachers are to be successful in teaching iSTEM Education (NRC, 2011), as elementary teachers may lack strong content knowledge in STEM disciplines (Ginns and Watters, 1995; Trygstad, 2013; Honey et al., 2014; Fulp, 2002; Ma, 1999; Hanover, 2012). Elementary teachers are prepared as generalists--they take few courses in STEM content, and experiences with iSTEM Education in their teacher preparation programs are rare (Fulp, 2002). Beyond the need for professional development related to STEM content knowledge, however, we know very little about the unique needs of elementary teachers regarding instructional approaches to iSTEM Education. This study examines and describes the ways in which elementary teachers conceptualize iSTEM Education and the integrative approaches they use when teaching STEM content, with the intent to inform the development of elementary specific iSTEM Education professional development.