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Mathematics,
Science, Technology, and Engineering Education
The graduate program in Mathematics, Science, Technology,
and Engineering Education (MSTE Education) at Tufts
University grants M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in three areas:
Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Engineering
Education. The program involves the collaboration of
faculty
from Tufts University
Departments of Education,
Child
Development, Mechanical Engineering,
Computer Science,
Biology,
Chemistry,
Mathematics, and
Physics and Astronomy,
and the Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, the
Center for Science and Mathematics Teaching, and the
Dudley
Wright Center for Innovative Science Education. The
Department of Education or the Department of Child
Development awards the M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees in MSTE
Education to students who have completed the degree
requirements. Choice of awarding Department will be
determined by the students’ Dissertation Committee. The MSTE Education program also offers an M.A. in Science
Education aimed at in-service K-8 teachers who desire
further education in science and the pedagogy of science at
the elementary and middle school levels. Through its M.S. and Ph.D. programs, the MSTE Education
program prepares scholars in the areas of Mathematics,
Science, Technology, and Engineering Education. Students in
this program 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, middle, and high 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 Engineering Education:
- Research on Improving Education through Engineering
- Focus on how to teach and learn content through the
engineering process
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