ERIC Number: EJ1255937
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1528-5804
EISSN: N/A
Electrifying: One Teacher's Discursive and Instructional Changes through Engagement in E-Textiles to Teach Science Content
Tofel-Grehl, Colby; Jex, Eliza; Searle, Kristin; Ball, Douglas; Zhao, Xin; Burnell, Georgia
Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE Journal), v20 n2 2020
This paper shares findings from the first of its kind quasi-experimental mixed methods study exploring the potential impacts on teacher instruction through engagement with making and e-textiles. Because engagement in hands-on inquiry has demonstrated strong promise for increasing student interest and engagement in STEM careers, finding curricular approaches that engage students in project-based learning remains important. As such, the Maker Movement and making has gained traction as a possible effort to improve such outcomes. This study shares outcomes from analyses of one teacher's first engagement with teaching eighth-grade science through e-textiles. Four of his classes were taught using his traditional science curriculum while four of his classes were taught with an equivalently designed e-textiles curriculum. Findings indicated that his instruction during e-textiles classes was different in terms of classroom discourse opportunities and engagement. Specifically, students taught in classes with e-textile were afforded more opportunities to engage their own questions with the teacher and engage on a more personal level with him.
Descriptors: Educational Change, Teaching Methods, Learner Engagement, Science Instruction, Hands on Science, STEM Education, Grade 8, Textiles Instruction, Teacher Student Relationship, Experiential Learning, Electronics, Middle School Students, Science Teachers
Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Fax: 828-246-9557; Web site: http://www.citejournal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 8; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1542801