Educators aim every day to help learners of all ages understand complex concepts. Increasingly, they have turned to “active learning” approaches, even though it is not always clear to educators what that precisely means. For example, what exactly constitutes active learning activities, why are some activities less effective than others — and how should active learning activities be designed or selected from the many choices available online?
Reading comprehension is a critical skill developed in elementary school that provides a foundation for future student learning. Educators have identified a need to improve these skills in K–2 students, particularly for students who are English language learners and economically disadvantaged. One factor that can inhibit English language acquisition proficiency is low student engagement. Behavioral and emotional engagement, in particular, have been identified as significant predictors of reading performance.
Schools are critical settings for developing the next generation of healthy adults engaged in society. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on student learning as well as students’ social and emotional health. Recess is the main school setting for children to move and socialize, and these are critical behaviors that can support healthy growth and development, as well as academic success.
Through its spines and pleats, the saguaro has developed the ability to self-cool — a process that can teach humans about adaptability in extreme environments. These biomimicry-inspired lessons also offer educators a way to encourage students to understand their role in preparing for a more sustainable future.
Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College continues to receive top rankings for its online master’s degree programs from U.S. News & World Report. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Graduate Education Programs, MLFTC is ranked No. 7 overall, and several of the college’s master’s programs are ranked in the top five.
Researchers have identified a need to improve alignment, collaboration and greater understanding among math researchers, particularly around critical issues in math education for priority students, identified as Black, Latinx and low-income students, as well as students with disabilities and English language learners.
Arizona is rapidly becoming a global center for high-tech industry and manufacturing, and with this mobilization comes a need for an educated STEM workforce and stronger K–12 academic pathways. Too often, however, schools are challenged with a lack of STEM-prepared educators who can meet this growing need to support students feeling overwhelmed by math and science concepts.
Researchers and technology practitioners have identified a need to strengthen Native American perspectives in the development of computer science education pathways. In 2023, the Four Corners Computer Science Convening conference at Fort Lewis College in Colorado brought together educators and administrators to discuss computer science education and pedagogy in the Four Corners states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
EvaluATE — which is based at The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University — is the evaluation hub for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.
Diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM education and workforce development are critical for U.S. economic vitality. Yet women and people of color drop out of pathways to STEM degrees and professions at higher rates than their male white counterparts. A plethora of education-based projects are underway to address these discrepancies, and evaluation professionals have a key role in ensuring these approaches are integrated and measured appropriately.