News from WCER
Evaluating Individualized Learning Plans
January 17, 2012
There is strong consensus among parents, teachers, and students that individualized learning plans (ILPs) help improve student outcomes.
Exploring the Paradox: Adolescent Reasoning in Mathematical and Non-mathematical Domains
January 15, 2012
A perennial concern in mathematics education is that students often fail to understand the nature of evidence and justification in mathematics, that is, the nature of proof.
Professional Practice Simulations in a First-Year Engineering Course
January 9, 2012
Naomi Chesler and colleagues in the Epistemic Games project developed a first-year engineering design course that meets the criteria and constraints of several traditional stakeholders.
Improving Mentor-Mentee Collaboration
January 3, 2012
Christine Pfund and colleagues are testing the effectiveness of a research mentor training program.
Themes Cross-Cut International Boundaries
December 30, 2011
Has standards-based reform improved the quality of teaching and improved rates of retention?
Design Challenges for Middle School Science Students
December 27, 2011
Students and teachers in Grades 6-8 are piloting an approach to science instruction using a technology-rich interactive environment.
Mathieu Named AAAS Fellow
December 19, 2011
WCER researcher Robert Mathieu is among three UW–Madison scientists recently named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Collaborating with the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan
December 15, 2011
Complementing the University of Wisconsin’s status as one of the most internationally connected universities in the world, the School of Education (SOE) plays an important role in preparing students to be global citizens and in helping to shape the University’s broader global agenda.
Online Mentoring as Good as In-Person
December 15, 2011
Students enjoy learning about the environment. The process usually involves trekking out to the nearest prairie, waterway, or forest. But given the time and expense involved, field trips can be unrealistic.
Spanish Academic Language Standards and Assessment
December 13, 2011
Staff from the WIDA Consortium are beginning to develop Spanish language development standards for students in Pre-K through twelfth grade.
Blended Learning Across Virtual and Natural Ecosystems
December 5, 2011
Kurt Squire and colleagues are testing the hypothesis that student engagement, self-sufficiency, and understanding of life science will be enhanced if students participating in field trips employ mobile devices to collect and share data, visit geo-referenced locations, and access on-site information.
Mentoring Students in Educational Computer Games
November 28, 2011
When students engage in educational computer games, do they fare better talking with a mentor face-to-face or chatting online with a ‘virtual’ mentor?
Hora Receives Emerging Interfaces Award
November 21, 2011
WCER researcher Matthew Hora is a recipient of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery's Emerging Interfaces Award
Engaged Research in Education
November 15, 2011
The School of Education continues its work to strengthen the relationship between research and practice.
Best Practices in Hiring and Evaluation
November 15, 2011
Of all the challenges facing principals, maybe the most important are finding and then keeping the best possible teachers in the classrooms. Principals must be strategic in both hiring and managing teaching talent. Below, WCER researcher Steven Kimball discusses the process by which a principal can become a strategic talent manager.
