Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER)
Improving teaching and learning in STEM.
Karen McNeal, Molette Endowed Professor
Research Summary
The McNeal Research Group investigates geoscience teaching and learning challenges in formal and informal settings. We examine how to improve teaching and learning around spatial thinking, Earth system science, and climate change; how to increase student engagement in the classroom; and, how to broaden participation in the field. The implementation and evaluation of the co-production of science and the assessment of climate change information/ communication approaches are also key areas in the McNeal research group. Our work ties together the affective and cognitive domains of learning and we use a suite of tools including psychomotor tools (e.g., eye-tracking and skin biosensors), psychometric tools (e.g., concept inventories, attitudinal surveys), and open-ended approaches (e.g., interviews, concept-maps, etc.) in our research.
- McNeal Leads First NSF Research Traineeship in Alabama Auburn’s NRT Climate Resilience Program
- What is Geocognition Research at Auburn?
- Auburn’s NRT Climate Resilience Program
- Geocognition Research Group
Resources
Science Education Resource Center
List of GER Graduate Programs
Geocognition Research Laboratory
GER Jobs
National Organizations and Meetings
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
International Organizations and Meetings
International Geoscience Education Organisation