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Through its seven divisions, the EHR Directorate broadly supports research on science teaching and learning (including curriculum development, teacher preparation, and technology). The follwoing describes three programs from two divisions of interest to psychological scientists.
The RTL program supports basic and applied research designed to expand the knowledge base that will help to reform science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. Among the research areas of concern are the develepment of children's scientific and mathematical thinking; how students develop complex concepts, especially using new technologies; how technology affects the way students think, learn, and interact in formal and informal education settings; cognitive, affective, and social factors that affect science and mathematics achievement; and teachers; understanding of students' learning, pedagogues, and instructional strategies. Projects are favored that focus on the quality of mathematics, science, and technology education or its distinctive characteristics that are highlighted learning, problem solving, or instruction.
In addition to traditional research formats, RTL programs also support such activities as translating future-oriented problems into researchable issues, translating the implications of research and theory development into forms that are useful in practice and policy matters, and facilitating the development of research communities to focus on neglected priorities or strategic opportunities.
This program supports projects that focus on new high-risk and high-gain innovative applications of technologies that advance the learning and teaching of science, mathematics, and engineering at all levels of education. This includes laying the research and conceptual foundations that will advance knowledge about the use of technology, the design of teaching and learning systems, and the use of technology in representing and manipulating concepts and knowledge.
This program supports projects that will enhance the teaching of science, mathematics, and engineering at the secondary level. It funds such projects as teacher-researcher collaborations, summer institutes, and workshops.
For complete information about any of these opportunities, please request the EHR Guide to Programs from the National Science Foundation, (703) 306-1600, or browse the EHR home page, http://www.ehr.nsf.gov. Abstracts of previously funded proposals are also available at the web site.