Distinctiveness in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction

The Department of Curriculum faculty has identified three central themes that provide unity across our individual efforts.

• Technology in Teacher Education
• Science and Mathematics Education
• Diversity and Equity in Education

 

Technology in Teacher Education

CI is a national leader in Technology in Teacher Education.  Our nationally leading faculty in this area is headed by two of our professors who have served as presidents of the Society for Information Technology in Teacher Education (SITE); several of the faculty serve or have served as journal editors for important journals in the field.  One of our faculty was named Apple Distinguished Educator of the year in 2003.  Our undergraduate program in Technology in Teacher Education was awarded the Best Program Award by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE), 2000.  Our Curriculum and Instructional Technology graduate program option has about 70% of the students in our graduate program.  Technology in teacher education is distinct from educational technology as a whole.  We focus on helping teachers use technology in educationally effective ways to promote student learning rather than on developing technology applications per se.  

Science and Mathematics Education

Our Regent's Approved Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESME) provides a focus for excellent graduate and undergraduate programs in these area.  CESME contributes a strong research focus and also contributes to our graduate programs in science and mathematics education.  Through funding received by CESME, we recently created the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduate science education teacher licensure program and a graduate mathematics education teacher licensure option for individuals with bachelors degrees in the sciences or mathematical areas helping to alleviate state shortages in these critical areas.  Our M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. options in science and mathematics education are the second largest graduate program options.   

Diversity and Equity in Education

Diversity and equity in education is an emerging area that influences much of the work of the department.  With a strong base in our three multicultural education faculty, we work to provide equitable education for all students.  For example, Katie Bruna, Assistant Professor, is working with equity for English language learning students in science education.  Dr. Bruna and Dr. Joanne Olson partnered with the English department and the State Department of Education to offer professional development related to ELL students this summer.  Dr. Beth Herbel-Eisenmann does research on discourse processes related to effective teaching of students from diverse cultural backgrounds in mathematics classrooms. Dr. Anne Foegen is working with equity for special-education middle school students in algebra education.  Dr. Lori Norton-Meier works with Dr. Brian Hand in relating literacy and science education.   Their educational methodology informed by their approach arguably influential for women in science. Dr. Leslie Bloom work with women in poverty to enhance their opportunities.  Dr. Warren Blumenfeld works on reducing bullying in schools, particularly for gay and lesbian students.   Dr. Thomas Andre has worked with individual differences and science learning.  Dr. Carl Smith works to improve learning and school experience for students classified as behaviorally disordered. 

 

Teaching, Research, and Engagement - Our inseparable partnership.

Another distinctive feature of CI is that our teaching, research, and engagement mission are inseparable linked.  Our scholarship both informs and is informed by our engagement with the field and our teaching.  In project after project, enhancement of the practice of teaching in pre-K to grade 16 settings is linked with an improvement in our undergraduate teaching and is an essential component of our research.  Such synergies provide exciting, adventuresome learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for faculty.