Teacher’s Perceptions of the Challenges in Innovating with Technology-Rich Content in the Geosciences Classroom: An Activity Systems Analysis
Abstract: This paper shares the results of an NSF Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG) grant project aimed at encouraging Hispanic students’ interests in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This program provided 6-12th grade earth science teachers with geology content, technology skills and English language learner strategies through university seminars and field studies. The research methodology was design based research and used activity systems analysis (Engestrom, 1987) to capture what happened as OEDG participants attempted to implement OEDG curriculum. Results revealed that challenges emerge when teachers attempt to implement OEDG curriculum and that tensions exist between what is learned outside of the school and its implementation in the classroom. This paper discusses the research findings and how challenges might be overcome through the design of staff development that might lead to sustainable change in the geosciences classroom.