|
The GeoWorlds Project is an innovative integration of collaborative virtual learning environments and problem-based pedagogy to engage students in Earth science while enhancing their problem-solving skills and content knowledge. The Teacher/Facilitators in each classroom will be trained in the problem-based approach with Earth science content is based in the national and state science education standards.
The impact of problem-based learning in the sciences has been demonstrated to be a successful educational approach to increase knowledge level and student engagement. However, the power of collaborative virtual learning to engage students and increase their problem-solving skills and content knowledge has not been fully researched. The integration of these tools has enormous potential to increase interest in the sciences and for education worldwide.
Go to Geoworlds
slurl.com/secondlife/GeoWorlds/128/133/43/
|
|
It is well known that the United States faces a crisis in science education, particularly among minorities and underrepresented groups. This project focuses on developing the potential of urban minority and underrepresented groups in urban and suburban schools. These schools represent fifty-one percent of all students in the U.S. (NEAR, 1998). These are also student populations underrepresented in the sciences. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
The goals of the GeoWorlds Research Group are to 1) engage high school students from minority and under represented populations in Earth science through cutting edge pedagogical and technology innovations, while simultaneously increasing teacher/facilitator effectiveness in the Earth sciences; and 2) investigate to what degree can integrated collaborative virtual learning environments and problem-based learning approaches increase Earth science understanding, advanced problem solving skills and student attitudes towards learning about Earth science. Minority and under represented populations consistently score lower in science tests and are underrepresented in the sciences, yet they represent a significant population of untapped potential.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
