Keith Bridwell M.D.,
relishes the challenges of spinal surgery
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Keith Bridwell M.D., relishes the challenges of spinal surgery |
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Education receives NSF teaching grant
By Neil Schoenherr The Department of Education in Arts & Sciences has been awarded a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create the St. Louis Center for Inquiry in Science Teaching and Learning (CISTL) at the University. As one of only 10 NSF-funded centers for learning and teaching, CISTL will serve as a national model, improving science education through research and researched practice. "This is a unique opportunity for the St. Louis community to support and to advance the development of an urban learning alliance in science education that links a major research university to important repositories of scientific knowledge in the community," said William Tate, Ph.D., professor of education and chair of that department. "I view this National Science Foundation award to Washington University as significant in developing models of excellence in teacher education and doctoral studies in science education that are directly connected to urban communities. "This is an exciting moment for Washington University and all involved in this endeavor." The five-year project will officially begin in January, although work on CISTL began with a developmental grant from NSF last year. NSF will fund the first 24 months of CISTL with review in May 2004. Acceptable review will lead to funding through December 2008 with $10 million in NSF funding over the five years. Sustainability will be achieved by 2008. Built around collaboration with local science institutions, CISTL brings aspects of science learning in out-of-school settings to formal education. Christine Klein, Ph.D., clinical associate in the Department of Education, serves as principal investigator and project director. She has eight years of experience at the St. Louis Science Center. A critical factor in the successful submission of the grant is the link between institutions and between the departments of education and biology, both in Arts & Sciences. Phyllis Balcerzak, Ph.D., clinical associate in education, serves as co-principal invesigator and a link between departments. "Because of its focus on authentic partnerships, this grant gives us an opportunity to bring together research and practice in unique and exciting ways," Balcerzak said. Balcerzak, along with Sarah C.R. Elgin, Ph.D., professor of biology, and Victoria May, director of Science Outreach in biology, has worked to bridge the gap between education and science, providing a solid foundation for the new center's work. "Our primary goal is to improve science learning and teaching across the educational continuum," Klein said. "This includes pre-service and in-service teachers, staff at local science institutions, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows, and even high school youth planning to go into teaching." One key piece of research through CISTL will focus on the collaboration between universities, cultural institutions and schools. CISTL partners include the University's Tyson Research Center, the St. Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis Community College, the Association of Science-Technology Centers and five school districts -- University City, St. Louis Public Schools, Riverview Gardens, Maplewood-Richmond Heights and Kirkwood. "This grant opens a host of new opportunities for us, both in doctoral studies in the Department of Education, and in our efforts to build more extensive collaborative efforts with schools and other institutions in the region," said James V. Wertsch, Ph.D., the Marshall S. Snow Professor in Arts & Sciences and professor of education. Wertsch is former chair of the education department and was instrumental in helping the University obtain the grant. "Building on a core of strengths we already have at Washington University, we now have the chance to attain national and international visibility in science education in schools, museums and other settings." CISTL will focus on supporting inquiry-based teaching and learning in K-12 science education through professional. CISTL will: • Design a self-assessment tool for science educators to guide professional development paths; • Provide internships in schools for teachers, science-institution staff, doctoral and postdoctoral fellows and pre-service teachers; • Conduct research studies in science education; • Offer doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in science and science education. |
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