Collaborative Research: Fostering Teamwork in the Context of Learning Physics through Socio-Metacognition and Engaged Student Learning

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $129,990 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by improving students' skills in collaboration and teamwork in the context of learning physics. Physics classes often involve group work, but without guidance, teamwork may break down. This project will teach students to communicate and support each other so that they can learn more effectively together. These teamwork skills will help prepare the students for success in the workforce. This work is supported as a Level 2 project in the Engaged Student Learning track of NSF's Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE: EDU) program. The goal of the project is to strengthen collaborative learning in physics by teaching teamwork skills. The investigators aim to develop and test a classroom intervention using the framework of socio-metacognition, which provides communication and reflection practices to support productive teamwork. The intervention will consist of five coordinated, research-based activities: reading, case-study analysis, composing a team charter, reflecting on classroom experience, and action planning. The intervention will be implemented in three physics courses -- a calculus-based course for scientists and engineers, a course for future K-8 teachers, and a pedagogy course for undergraduate teaching assistants -- at two different institutions, Western Washington University and California State University, Chico. The investigators will explore how the teamwork instruction impacts students' teamwork skills an

Key facts

NSF award ID
2439663
Awardee
Chico State Enterprises (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
C4VMQLSU1LF4
PI
Carolina Alvarado
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE)
Estimated total
$129,990
Funds obligated
$129,990
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028