Graduate Research

SME faculty including UTeach Dallas Master Teachers are deeply interested in educational research including informal education and outreach to STEM students. We also want our students to understand the complicated process of conducting original scientific research, a process that few teachers actually experience or understand.

The thesis option of the MAT-SCE allows for students to pursue research that they want to delve into deeper than in the pilot studies of the research classes. Often these studies are presented at conferences, for the State Board of Education, or published Texas education journals.

As part of the Lajitas project we have now instituted graduate thesis work that is two-fold. The first part is to participate in authentic scientific research. The second part is to move primary research into the classroom via Problem Based Learning methodology. Students will merge the two components in innovative ways. We expect these students to submit manuscript to both science and education journals.

This is a collection of thesis and research studies conducted by UT Dallas students in the Science/Mathematics Education MAT Program.

2016 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Ahmad, M. (2016). To include or not to include: A meta-analysis on the effect of inclusion on mathematics for children with and without special needs (Order No. 10133835). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1810725245). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1810725245?accountid=7120

2014 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Davies, K. (2014). Teaching by analogy: Gravity and electrostatics (Order No. 1565592). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1617518770). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1617518770?accountid=7120
• Syed, N. (2014). Motivations, interests and retention of female minority engineering students (Order No. 1562018). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1563364226). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1563364226?accountid=7120

2013 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Baggett, J. K. (2013). Examining teachers’ perceptions of differing professional development programs (Order No. 1541668). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1418771849). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1418771849?accountid=7120
• Malkoc, U. (2013). In service teachers’ understanding of salt dissolution process through representational animations (Order No. 1541689). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1418771880). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1418771880?accountid=7120

2012 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Akbar, S. (2012). The application of gestalt principles in a middle school science classroom (Order No. 1514764). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1031212662). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1031212662?accountid=7120
• Elhayboubi, S. N. (2012). Contradictions in stem cell research education amongst science educators and buddhist, christian and muslim theologians (Order No. 1532643). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1287646666). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1287646666?accountid=7120
• Mikesell, W. C. (2012). Interest vs. skill: A comparison of career interest and science skill among high school students (Order No. 1514771). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (1031213417). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1031213417?accountid=7120

2010 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Bailey, D. R. (2010). The effect of language learning strategies when selecting a science or non-science major (Order No. 1489908). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (851128401). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/851128401?accountid=7120
• Jim, C. K. W. (2010). Teaching with LEGO mindstorms robots: Effects on learning environment and attitudes toward science (Order No. 1489918). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (851128461). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/851128461?accountid=7120
• Johnston, D. L. (2010). Effects of supplemental science courses on academic achievement of economically disadvantaged middle school students (Order No. 1485957). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (751604406). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/751604406?accountid=7120
• Ledbetter, C. G. (2010). Teaching science education: Elementary school endeavors (Order No. 1485958). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (751604365). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/751604365?accountid=7120
• Stewart, R. O. (2010). Teen parenting and educational opportunity: The forgotten teen fathers (Order No. 1485106). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (635910040). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/635910040?accountid=7120
• Swindell, K. N. (2010). Differences in the middle school classroom: Examining learning styles and learning environments of boys and girls from different socioeconomic backgrounds (Order No. 1485108). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (636242998). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/636242998?accountid=7120

2009 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Antonopoulou, E. (2009). Evaluation of teacher implementation and concerns regarding the cross thematic curriculum framework for compulsory education in greece: Implications concerning junior high school students’ perception of their science learning environments (Order No. 1471100). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (305065685). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/305065685?accountid=7120
• Distin, K. V. (2009). The effect of integrated physics and chemistry on chemistry and physics standardized test scores (Order No. 1470832). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (305068349). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/305068349?accountid=7120
• Dunaway, L. M. (2009). Science inquiry: Difficulties of translating beliefs into practice (Order No. 1471104). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (305066026). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/305066026?accountid=7120
• Thompson, S. L. (2009). Writing conclusions based on data: An assessment of standardized testing (Order No. 1470844). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (305065816). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/305065816?accountid=7120

2008 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Berry, K. D. (2008). Motivating and maintaining girls’ interest in science through the use of an after school science club (Order No. 1458263). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (304421410). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304421410?accountid=7120
• Firat Mashnad, P. (2008). An alternate approach to pre-service teachers’ misconceptions about biology subjects (Order No. 1458266). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (304421510). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304421510?accountid=7120
• Hill, O. R. (2008). Computer assisted inquiry based learning in undergraduate science education (Order No. 1458268). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (304422197). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304422197?accountid=7120

2006 Master Thesis for MAT-SCE Thesis Option

• Glavich, C. (2006). Multimedia, spatial visualization, and the earth and space science classroom (Order No. 1437208). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (304956908). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304956908?accountid=7120
• Williams, M. L. (2006). The socio-cultural and educational influences on career choice (Order No. 1433535). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ University of Texas at Dallas. (304954223). Retrieved from http://libproxy.utdallas.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/304954223?accountid=7120

2004 Pilot Research Studies

• Bober, Kendra M. (2004). Teacher learning: Content knowledge, practical knowledge and professional development. [Online.] Available pdf: teacher_learningkb
• Cakiroglu, Sukran. (2004). Parental involvement and expectations: Comparison study between immigrant and American-born parents. [Online.] Available pdf: parental_involvement_expectationsc
• Smith, Rebecca Kathleen. (2004). Give them what they want: Using student perception of teacher behavior to create the ideal classroom environment. [Online.] Available pdf: give_them_what_they_wantrs
• Williams Rossi, Dara. (2004). Using elementary interactive science journals to encourage reflection, learning and positive attitudes toward science. [Online.] Available pdf: using_elementary_interactive_science_journalsdrw