Education

This study was designed to examine the impact of participating in an after-school robotics competition on high school students' attitudes toward science. Specifically, this study used the Test of Science-Related Attitude to measure students' social implications of science, normality of scientists, attitude toward scientific inquiry, adoption of scientific attitudes, enjoyment of science lessons, leisure interest in science, and career interest in science. Results indicated that students who participated in a robotic competition had a more positive attitude toward science and science-related areas in four of the seven categories examined: social implications of science, normality of scientists, attitude toward scientific inquiry, and adoption of scientific attitudes. Implications of results on students' attitudes are discussed. 416 Volume 111

The demand to prepare increased numbers of qualified teachers for urban schools continues to represent a major challenge nationwide. In Michigan, Wayne State University, the Detroit Public Schools, the state Department of Education, and the Detroit Federation of Teachers have collaborated to design and implement an alternative certification program-the Limited License to Instruct (LLI). Similar to other alternative certification programs nationally, the LLI includes the use of cohort groups, mentors, alternative course work scheduling, and induction activities. The LLI also provides 10 credit hours of online instruction. LLI teachers are hired by the Detroit Public Schools to teach full-time in an assigned classroom while enrolled in the program. This study assessed LLI teachers' first year experiences in the program. Through group interviews, 178 LLI teachers responded to questions concerning their experiences in the cohort groups, working with group leaders, support received in the schools, and the effects of online instruction. Narrative data from the group interviews were analyzed through qualitative and quasi-quantitative methods. Results underscored the importance of interpreting first year teachers' accounts of their initial program experiences. Findings included data capable of informing and supporting continuous program improvement efforts.

As shown in the previous chapters, informal learning manifests itself in a variety of ways. This is especially true with science and engineering. In this chapter, we will explore how robotics competitions build awareness and interest in science and engineering in middle and high school students by providing challenging and engaging learning opportunities in a setting that inspires students to pursue careers in science and technology in the same way professional sports inspires young people to pursue careers as professional athletes. We will then examine how the competitions engage students in the engineering design process and in the application of mechanical and electrical engineering skills. The chapter ends with
a discussion of how participation in robotics competitions goes beyond just
building robots by showing the impact of these competitions on the development of
21st century skills, such as creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration.

A curriculum is a plan for what is to be taught in an educational institution. It also includes to whom, when, and how the curriculum will be taught. Developing a curriculum requires the determination of its purpose, content, method, organization, and evaluation (McNeil, 1985). The term curriculum can also refer to the total school experience provided to students, whether planned or unplanned by educators. It encompasses the method of presentation, the way in which students are grouped in classes, the manners in which time and tasks are organized and the interactions between classrooms (DeMarrais & D. LeCompte, 1999).

Sonia Nieto is among the leading advocates of multicultural education in the U.S. Her scholarship is largely focused on multicultural education and its pedagogical, sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts. This paper is a critical summary of Nieto’s ideas as they have been expressed and argued throughout her works.