- Year 2022
- NSF Noyce Award # 1758292
- First Name Michael
- Last Name Wyss
- Discipline Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Geosciences
- Co-PI(s)
Katie Busch
- Presenters
Michael Wyss, University of Alabama
Need
Due to COVID-19, we developed a virtual hands-on training program modeled after our in-person offerings in the past, and we tested the efficacy of remote vs. in-person hands-on STEM teacher professional development for grades 4-8 teachers. Prior week-long workshops were in-person, and the teachers reported that they had greatly improved their self-efficacy and excitement about teaching hands-on science, leading to their incorporation of science across the curriculum. In 2020 we transition to a fully online professional development program with hands-on kits sent to participating teachers.
Goals
Is virtual TPD effective for hands-on teacher training?
Approach
Due to COVID-19, we developed a virtual hands-on training program modeled after our in-person offerings in the past, and we tested the efficacy of remote vs. in-person hands-on STEM teacher professional development for grades 4-8 teachers.
Outcomes
These virtual programs received very favorable feedback. >90% of participants agreed or strongly agreed on workshop’s effectiveness. Pre-workshop, 25% of participants rated their skills in facilitating inquiry-based science as very good to excellent, but after the workshop 95% rated themselves as very good to excellent in these skills. Comparison of the virtual vs. in-person versions showed no significant differences in satisfaction or learning outcomes. Currently, we are offering this professional development workshop as both virtual and in-person to test the potential benefits and challenges.
Broader Impacts
use of virtual training could greatly enhance teacher retention in early years of their career.
