Research
Research of the Institute for Science Education (ISE) focuses on subject-specific thinking in science subjects and on practical knowledge and skills of science teachers. ISE prioritises research in subject-specific and educational innovations, conducting many practice-based projects in collaboration with stakeholders, particularly Dutch schools.
Research Focus
ISE's research, primarily design-based, focuses on creating scientific knowledge and educational products. This research is collaborative, involving educational institutions and teachers. Activities span various domains, mainly in upper secondary schools, and are subject-specific. Efforts are underway to enhance the research profile by integrating university science education and adopting an interdisciplinary, STEM-based approach.
Themes
Key ongoing research themes at ISE include:
- Design-based learning.
- Scientific literacy and citizenship education.
- Digital literacy and computational thinking.
- Education for sustainable development.
- Teachers' practical knowledge and skills (incl. pedagogical content knowledge, pedagogical design capacity and teacher noticing)
Projects
The Insitute for Science Education is involved in the following projects.
-
Modeller
This NRO-funded 'knowledge for education of the future' project aims at supporting Dutch students' and teachers' modeling competence. At Radboud University, we focus on evaluating and developing pre-service teachers' modelling competence.
-
Pedagogical Reasoning of University Organic Chemistry Instructors
Organic Chemistry is a key challenge in STEM education. This project investigates university instructors’ pedagogical content knowledge using a literature review, a vignette-based think-aloud study, and a quantitative assessment.
-
Empowering Teachers Through Modelling-Based Approaches
Teaching and learning in science can be promoted by supporting the development of teaching materials (units), learning objectives, and teacher training in Modelling-based Learning (MbL).
-
Beyond lecturing vs. Active learning in Chemistry Teaching
The goal is to better understand how university chemistry instructors teach in real classrooms and what helps them use more engaging teaching practices.
-
Strengthening Research Practicals in Secondary Education
This project promotes practical learning in secondary education through the EOES, enhances school experiments, and integrates the Olympiad into the curriculum. It fosters interdisciplinary work and talent discovery in students.
-
Discipline-Specific Thinking in Science Teacher Education
This project develops and studies a course for pre-service biology, chemistry, and physics teachers to help them connect subject knowledge, teaching practice, and the new Dutch curriculum focus on scientific ways of thinking and working.
-
Students as asynchronous designers for Sustainability integration in Computing Science
Students as asynchronous designers for Sustainability integration in Computing Science.
-
FA-CT-STEAM
FA-CT-STEAM is a project that pilots inclusive STEAM activities for ages 9–15, integrating CT and TEFA tools to make learning visible, personalised, and easier for teachers to assess and support each student individually.
Dudoc-Bèta Programme
As a first-grade beta teacher, you can conduct beta-didactical research for four years, three days a week, with a Dudoc-Beta PhD scholarship from Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO). During the research period, your school will receive a subsidy to appoint a substitute. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and coordinated by Radboud University.
It offers first-degree secondary school teachers in the subjects biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and NLT (Nature, Life, and Technology) the opportunity to carry out doctoral research alongside their teaching job. This research should be subject-didactical, at the interface of educational research and STEM subject-specific research.
The Dudoc-Bèta programme is under the responsibility of Erik Barendsen. The project leader is Floor Binkhorst and the programme is supported by Kim van Zomeren.
-
Dudoc-Bèta 2022
The Dudoc-Bèta cohort 2022-2026 offers first-degree secondary school teachers of biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and NLT (Nature, Life, and Technology) the opportunity to conduct a PhD research next to their teaching job.
Research Data Management
Research Data Management (RDM) focuses on the collection, storage, protection, and availability of research data for re-use or reproduction. The university emphasises the importance of clear, accurate, and safe data management processes. To support this, it has implemented a general RDM policy, which forms the foundation for more detailed data management policies within its various institutes, including the Institute for Science Education.
For more information, please get in touch with Marc Rodemer.