Purdue University

The purpose of this research is to explore whether exposure to perceptual cues, referred to as perceptual scaffolding, in mathematics notation (e.g., using color to highlight key terms such as the inverse operators in an expression) may disrupt in-the-moment fluency, lead learners to pause and notice structural patterns, then ultimately practice more flexible and efficient problem solving. This project will yield evidence on how, when, and for whom perceptual scaffolding works to inform clas...

The purpose of this study is to develop, refine, and evaluate a new math language intervention, Reading and Playing with Math (RP-Math). Math language is the specific content language (e.g., words and concepts such as more, fewer, a lot, many) that has distinct meanings when used in math contexts. It is one of the strongest predictors of growth in numeracy skills, and it underlies acquisition of numeracy skills. Yet there are currently no empirically supported tools for providing instruction...

In this project, the researchers will refine an existing mobile application, CourseMIRROR, for use in postsecondary STEM lecture courses. This application aims to improve deep learning by encouraging students to reflect on course content and receive immediate feedback on their reflections. Often, in large lecture courses, students' ability to reflect on course content and get feedback on these reflections is limited by class size and instructor availability. At the same time, instructors oft...

The purpose of this project is to develop Para-Impact, a professional development package to train supervising teachers to utilize practice-based coaching (PBC) to improve paraprofessionals' implementation of systematic instruction for elementary students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities (MSDD). Students with MSDD - including those with autism, significant intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities - typically require frequent and intense exposure to evidence-base...

The purpose of this project is to develop and validate computer-based summative assessments that focus on the science crosscutting concepts of systems and system models and structure and function. Consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the assessments developed from this project will integrate these crosscutting concepts with two disciplinary core ideas (e.g. ecosystems or Earth systems), as well as science practices (e.g. developing and using models or engaging in ar...

The objective of this research project is to develop and pilot test the Guided Retrieval Practice program, a computer-based program for elementary school students that will provide a sequence of encoding activities (e.g., identifying key terms) and retrieval practice activities (e.g., fill-in-the-blank) to promote high levels of retrieval success. Many students study using passive techniques, such as rereading their notes and textbooks, rather than those that require active retrieval of info...