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Tufts Department of Education prepares scholars in the areas
of Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Engineering (MSTE) Education
through its M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The
Department's M.A. program in Educational Studies focuses on scholarly training in
the social foundations of education, with emphases on the social
context, history, and philosophy of education. Students in these
programs work closely with our faculty and with faculty from
other departments and research centers. We develop research on
how students learn in different content areas and on the
cultural, historical and philosophical influences on educational
thought and practices. Our main goal is to prepare the
researchers and professionals who will contribute to improve
Pre-K-12 education for all students, through a deep
understanding of:
- Theory and research on learning and development,
cognitive science, and the socio-cultural foundations of
education;
- The developmental, pedagogical, content specific, and
socio-cultural challenges inherent in teaching and learning;
- Research results and research methods appropriate for
the development of studies that will contribute to new
theoretical insights and practical approaches to education.
Specific research topics being developed by our faculty
include:
On Mathematics Education:
- Algebra in elementary school
- Children's learning of written mathematics notation
- Everyday mathematics
- Learning algebra through Engineering activities
- Technological tools for teaching and learning
mathematics
On Science Education:
- Assessment instruments in science education
- Modeling in science education
- Teachers learning science online
- Technological tools for teaching and learning science
- Theory-driven, inquiry-based science curricula
- Using authentic practices of scientists for student
inquiry in K-12 education
On the Socio-Cultural Foundations of Education:
- Gender studies examined through historical, political,
and socio-cultural lenses
- Policy and practice investigations related to urban
education
- Theoretical scholarship emphasizing feminist theory,
Critical Race Theory, and qualitative methodologies
- Social context of education analyses, with particular
attention to race, gender, and class
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