Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER)
Improving teaching and learning in STEM.
Cissy Ballen, Assistant Professor
Research Summary
The Ballen lab conducts research on biology education and STEM equity through investigations of the causes and consequences of gaps in science literacy, and how educators can design their courses to minimize barriers to success. By developing an integrated experimental and theoretical research program we explore how classroom and social influences shape student learning, personal and professional development, and career trajectories.
- The impact of going beyond a ‘value-free’ biology curriculum with award from NSF
- How students relate to scientists impacts student retention: A $1 million NSF award funds a study to examine data literacy instruction with direct connection to STEM
- COSAM researches disparity between scientists featured in biology textbooks and students
- COSAM Faculty Focus: Cissy Ballen researches reducing barriers in the classroom to promote student success
- The Ballen Lab
Resources
BER jobs
Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research - SABER Jobs
Association for Science Teacher Education
American Educational Research Association
Summer Institutes on Scientific Teaching
National meetings:
Gordon Research Conference, Biology Education Research