CETRA
Center for Educational Technology, Research and Assessment

Personnel | Current Projects | Purpose | Advisory Committee

Personnel

Current Projects

Project Title: Remote Sensing for Hazard Mitigation and Resource Protection in Pacific Latin America
Funded by: NSF PIRE 0530109
Award Abstract: 0530109
Project PI: John S. Gierke
Project co-PIs: Bill Rose, Essa Gross, Greg Waite
Grant: $2,461,500
Start date: 10/01/05 End: 09/30/10

This project focuses on developing remote sensing tools and validation methods for hazard mitigation and resource protection in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Panama and soon Costa Rica. Collaborative relationships will foster a formal linkage among geoscience agencies in the four countries, focusing on the development of remote sensing tools for hazard mitigation and water resource development. We will build a new educational system of applied research and engineering, using the Peace Corps Master's International program and the undergraduate enterprise program, at Michigan Tech.

Project Title: Rethinking Mathematics
Funded by: Michigan Department of Education, Mathematics and Science Partnership Competitive Grant
Project PI: Shawn Oppliger, Director, Western Uppper Peninsula Mathematics and Science Center
Project co-PIs: Shari Stockero, Ann Humes, Kedmon Hungwe
Grant: $227,455
Start: August 2008 for two years.

The main goal of this professional development program is to provide teachers with resources, knowledge and strategies to effectively engage students in learning the mathematical content in the 4th-7th Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. Emphasis is placed on how to build a firm understanding of key mathematical concepts and ideas with all students.

Project title: Enhancing active learning: an inquiry-based laboratory in biomolecular Chemistry
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Award Abstract: 0837220
Grant: $149,521
Project PI: Pushpa Murthy, Department of Chemistry, Michigan Tech
Co-PIs: Martin Thompson, Kedmon Hungwe

The goal of he project is to develop a new laboratory course in the Department of Chemistry that will directly engage students in the scientific process and enhance their conceptual understanding, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Project title: Integrating sustainability into undergraduate computing education
Partners: School of Technology, Computer Science
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Award Abstract: 0829619
Grant: $144,955
Project PI: Yu Cai, School of Technology, Michigan Tech
Co-PI: Linda , Jindong Tan, Qiong Zhang, Kedmon Hungwe
Start date: 1/1/09 End: 12/31/10

The goal of the project is to integrate sustainability into undergraduate computing education. Sustainability is often defined as “meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Information Technology (IT) plays a critical role in sustainability development. The goal of this project is to test, develop, implement, and evaluate an educational model to successfully and effectively integrate sustainability into the undergraduate computing curricula.

Project title: Removing Barriers to Success: Reducing Gender Differences in 3-D Spatial Skills
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Award Abstract: 0429020
Grant: $564,845.00
Project PIs: Kedmon Hungwe (Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences) & Sheryl Sorby (till Dec. 2006).
Co-PIs: Tom Drummer, Paul Charlesworth Partners: Jeffers School, Hancock School, Lake Linden School, Chassell School
Start date: August 2004 End: September 2009.

The ability to visualize objects and situations in one’s mind and to manipulate those images is a cognitive skill vital to many career fields, especially those requiring work with graphical images. Evidence suggests that well-developed spatial skills are critical to success in Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Medicine, Dentistry, and many other fields. Unfortunately, of all cognitive processes that have been investigated, spatial cognition shows some of the most robust gender differences favoring males, especially in the ability to mentally rotate 3-dimensional objects. The purpose of the project is to investigate curricular strategies for improving spatial skills among undergraduate and K-12 students. The project has tested a workbook and multimedia a software package developed at Michigan Tech with K-12 students. Project personnel have also organized and convened a national workshop (Summer 2007) and an international conference (Summer 2008) on the theme of spatial intelligence and training.

Project title: Michigan Teacher Excellence Program (MITEP): A model for improving Earth Science Education Nationwide
Partners: Grand Rapids Public Schools, Department of Geological Engineering and Sciences, Davenport University, Colorado School of Mines, and others
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Award Abstract: 0831948
Grant: $3,687,039
Project PI: Bill Rose, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Jackie Huntoon, Chris Wojick, Brad Baltensperger, Chris Anderson, Kedmon Hungwe (internal evaluator).
Start date: January 2009 for 5 years.

This is five-year project to improve science education in Michigan. Faculty will work with middle-school earth science teachers to improve instruction and curricula.

Declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses has led educators to focus on sparking interest at an early age. MITEP will focus on improving curriculum through instructional modules, assessments and professional development offerings for educators. University researchers will guide the teachers' efforts and provide pedagogical expertise and knowledge from various disciplines.

University involvement with teachers will be through a variety of methods, including distance-learning programs as well as direct involvement with developing programs. Grand Rapids public schools will be a focal point of the program, with the greatest number of teachers involved.

MITEP: Bringing Knowledge to Middle Schools in Michigan
Tech Today, December 17, 2008

Purpose

Center for Educational Technology, Research and Assessment (CETRA) is dedicated to educational improvement through linkages between cutting edge scientific and engineering research to classroom teachers. CETRA provides program and project assessment and evaluation; designs instructional programs in mathematics, science, technology, and social science based on educational research; develops technology-rich instruction; and provides support for the professional development of teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Advisory Committee

Chris Anderson
Executive Director of Educational Opportunity and Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity, Michigan Tech

John Christianson
Chair, Science Department, Houghton High School, Houghton, MI

Shawn Oppliger
Executive Director, Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education
Copper Country Intermediate School District

Kristin Schourek
Biology Teacher, Hancock High School, Hancock, MI

Steve Vanden Avond
Evaluator, Assoc Prof of Psychology & Dir Psychology