Springer Critical Questions in STEM Education: 51 (Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education, 51)

This edited volume offers a crosscutting view of STEM and is comprised of work by scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. It offers a view of STEM from the disciplines that comprise it, while adhering to the idea that STEM itself is an interdisciplinary treatment of all the associated disciplines in a meaningful way. This book raises and answers questions regarding the meaning of STEM education and research. This volume is divided into three sections: the first one describes the nature of the component disciplines of STEM. The next section presents work from leaders representing all STEM disciplines and deals with aspects such as K-12 and post-secondary education. The last section draws conclusions regarding the natures of the disciplines, challenges and advantages of STEM education in terms of theoretical and practical implications. The two final chapters compile arguments from the research chapters, describing themes in research results, and making recommendations for best STEM education practice, and examining areas for future research in STEM education. From the Back Cover This edited volume offers a crosscutting view of STEM and is comprised of work by scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. It offers a view of STEM from the disciplines that comprise it, while adhering to the idea that STEM itself is an interdisciplinary treatment of all the associated disciplines in a meaningful way. This book raises and answers questions regarding the meaning of STEM education and research. This volume is divided into three sections: the first one describes the nature of the component disciplines of STEM. The next section presents work from leaders representing all STEM disciplines and deals with aspects such as K-12 and post-secondary education. The last section draws conclusions regarding the natures of the disciplines, challenges and advantages of STEM education in terms of theoretical and practical implications. The two final chapters compile arguments from the research chapters, describing themes in research results, and making recommendations for best STEM education practice, and examining areas for future research in STEM education. About the Author Valarie L Akerson is a Professor of Science Education at Indiana University, and a former elementary teacher. Her research focuses on preservice and inservice elementary teachers’ ideas about Nature of Science, as well as their teaching practices. She is a Past-President of the Association for Science Teacher Education and a Past-President for NARST: A worldwide organization for improving science teaching and learning through research. Gayle Buck is an Associate Dean for Research, Development & Innovation, as well as a Professor of Science Education. Previously a middle level science teacher in both urban and rural schools, Professor Buck now teaches courses in science, STEM education and teacher education. Her research explores 1) student populations traditionally underserved in science education, 2) neglected epistemological assumptions in teaching and learning, and 3) pragmatic and participatory approaches to educational research.