Location
ETS is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a National Science Foundation study focused on developing a suite of practice-based activities for synchronous and asynchronous integration within online and face-to-face elementary and secondary mathematics and science education courses to help preservice teachers learn how to facilitate argumentation-focused discussions. The practice-based activities include: (1) interactive, online digital games that create targeted practice spaces to engage preservice teachers in considering and responding to students’ content-focused ideas and interactions; (2) performance-based tasks that provide opportunities for preservice teachers to practice facilitating discussions with a group of five upper elementary student avatars in a simulated classroom; and (3) a virtual reality environment that allows for verbal, textual and non-verbal interactions between a teacher avatar and 24 student avatars in an immersive whole classroom environment. Support materials complement each of the three activities to help teacher educators productively use and integrate these activities into their mathematics and science methods course. The overall research project is a collaboration between multiple partners at ETS, Indiana University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Towson University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The three-year project is in its no-cost extension year. All data has been collected; the main work during the no-cost extension year focuses on analysis and dissemination.
The start date for the position would be as soon as possible. The appointment is through July 31, 2024. Work can take place remotely. Some travel to partner institutions and conferences may be required. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.