Share Paper: The Promise of Design Based Research for Online STEM Professional Development

  1. David Pugalee, Center for STEM Education, UNC Charlotte, United States
  2. Shagufta Raja, Center for STEM Education, UNC Charlotte, United States
Wednesday, October 18 1:45 PM-2:45 PM Grand Ballroom A+B

Abstract: Problem-based learning is growing in popularity in STEM education contexts. PBL is grounded in four learning principles: constructive, self-directed, collaborative, and contextual. These four learning principles are especially difficult in an online environment. Design-based research was used to better understand how the challenges and opportunities these principles presented in development of an online professional development module focused on problem-based learning. Through the use of the design-based research model of design, implementation, evaluation, and improvement, results demonstrate the process by which the design team was able to support the four learning principles of problem-based learning through course structure, learning activities, and ...