College of Education Research Office

This project serves the national need of supporting science teachers in developing effective teaching practice that attends to equity through video-based examinations of practice in teacher preparation and early induction. Its innovation is the integration of equity-oriented approaches into video analysis tasks to assist prospective and novice teachers in recognizing key aspects of student thinking, while also broadening that recognition to ensure classroom learning activities value students’ ideas, life experiences, and cultural and linguistic resources. 

This project, in conjunction with parallel projects at Vanderbilt University, Teachers College Columbia University, West Chester University, University of Northern Iowa, Louisiana State University, and Kennesaw State University, features a cross-site, longitudinal case study within seven elementary and secondary teacher preparation programs. Using a design-based research approach, cohorts of prospective teachers will engage in learning opportunities that support professional vision for equitable science teaching through video-based examinations of practice as part of their science methods coursework and field experiences. Selected teachers will then be followed into their induction year(s) at high need school districts and continue to be provided support through networked video clubs.

Culturally Adapted Play Therapy in New Zealand is a Fulbright Specialist Funded grant that will prepare professors and students in the School of Psychology at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand (as well as local mental health professionals) to conduct play therapy with child clients. Dr. Blalock will provide training utilizing a new methodology, allowing mental health professionals to opt into up to 5 progressive phases of training, depending on the needs and interests of the professional. Additionally, Dr. Blalock will assist professors/researchers at Massey University in setting up a playroom in the university clinic to serve child clients. Together, they will explore possible cultural adaptations needed.