This episode of The Inquiry Oasis we dive into the REEDS (Research on Educational Equity and Diversity in STEM) Fellowship Program at the University of Arizona College of Education. Funded by a significant NSF grant, this initiative aims to reshape STEM education through research focused on creating inclusive and diverse learning environments. The episode features conversations with the first cohort of REEDS fellows - Drs. Abby Rocha, Sy Simms, Nicholas Witt, and Shakuntala Devi Gopal - who share their individual research projects, personal inspirations, and experiences in transitioning from graduate students to postdoctoral scholars. They reflect on the intersection of STEM, diversity, and education, and discuss how their work contributes to a more equitable academic landscape.

Topics Discussed:

• Cultivating Culturally Affirming Mathematics Curriculum
• Equitable STEM Access for Marginalized Learners
•  Institutional Diversity and Sense of Belonging
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Higher Education
• Challenges and Opportunities of Postdoctoral Transition
• Role of Personal and Professional Identities in Academic Research
• Impacts of Research on Policy and Practice in Higher Education

Recommended Books/Papers:

• Funds of Knowledge for Teaching: Using a Qualitative Approach to Connect Homes and Classrooms by Luis C. Moll, Cathy Amanti, Deborah Neff, Norma Gonzalez
• The Professor Is In by Karen Kelsky
• On Being Included, Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life by Sara Ahmed
• Reading and Writing the World with Mathematics: Toward a Pedagogy for Social Justice by Eric Gutstein 

In this episode of Inquiry Oasis, we delve into the fascinating world of cognitive processes in education with Dr. Jonathan Tullis, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona College of Education. Dr. Tullis, a prominent figure in the Cognition and Memory in Education and Learning Lab, shares insights from his groundbreaking research on the interaction between memory and learning environments, with a special focus on "Remindings." We explore his NSF-funded CAREER grant and its implications for optimizing learning strategies, aligning them with our natural cognitive tendencies. Dr. Tullis’s work is a critical beacon in understanding how cognitive processes shape effective learning environments, contributing significantly to the field of educational psychology.

Topics Discussed:

• Journey to the Forefront: Dr. Tullis’s Path in Educational Psychology
• The CAMEL Lab: Pioneering Research in Cognition and Memory
• The Essence of 'Remindings': Transforming Educational Strategies
• Cognitive Environments and Learning: An Intersecting Realm
• Memory Optimization: Strategies for Effective Learning
• Unearthing Discoveries: Surprises in Cognitive Research
• Future Visions: Integrating Cognitive Principles in Education

Book Recommendation:

• Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning – by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, Mark McDaniel

In this episode of The Inquiry Oasis, host Jeffrey Anthony speaks with Dr. Dawn Demps, exploring her remarkable journey from a high school dropout in Flint, Michigan, to becoming an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, College of Education. Dr. Demps shares her transformative experiences with educational policy and social justice, highlighting the pivotal role of TRIO programs and the impact of community support on her academic pursuits. She delves deep into the realms of Black Feminism, Critical Race Theory, and Community Cultural Wealth, illuminating their importance in challenging educational exclusion and shaping inclusive futures. Dr. Demps underscores the importance of storytelling in research, advocating for the inclusion of diverse narratives as valid data sources. Her vision for the future of K-12 education is one of freedom, community engagement, and inclusiveness. 

Topics Discussed:

• Educational Resilience and Personal Transformation: Exploring the transformative journey from high school dropout to academia.
• Intersection of Race, Policy, and Educational Leadership: Examining how these elements interplay in shaping educational landscapes.
• Empowerment through Black Feminism and Critical Race Theory: Delving into the impact of these frameworks on understanding and addressing educational inequities.
• The Significance of Community and Cultural Wealth in Education: Highlighting the role of community support and cultural knowledge in enriching educational experiences.
• Storytelling as a Powerful Tool in Academic Research: Discussing the importance of integrating personal narratives and community stories into scholarly work.
• Advocating for Inclusive and Community-Based Education Models: Envisioning a future of education that is inclusive, community-centered, and liberating.
• Scholarly Activism and Its Role in Transformative Educational Change: Emphasizing the importance of activism in academia for driving systemic change in education.

Resources:

• Journal of Negro Education: Blooming In the Shafts: A Black Mother Scholar’s Tale of Flipping Pandemic Precarity to Educational Possibility
• Derrick Bell: Brown V. Board of Education and the Interest Convergence Dilemma
• Brittney Cooper: Link to Resources
• Octavia Butler: Link to Resources

Book Recommendation:

• Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom – By Bell Hooks

In this episode of Inquiry Oasis, Dr. Adai Tefera, an associate professor of special education at the University of Arizona's College of Education delves into her pivotal research on racial disparities in special education, examining the complex interplay of race, disability, language, and other social factors. We take a look at Dr. Tefera’s article she co-authored in the American Educational Research Journal - The Aftermath of Disproportionality Citations: Situating Disability-Race Intersections in Historical, Spatial, and Sociocultural Contexts, and explore the historical, socio-cultural, and spatial contexts shaping educational policies and their impact on students with disabilities. Dr. Tefera's insights illuminate the urgent need for transformative changes in educational equity and policy-making.

Topics Discussed:

• Navigating Intersections: Race and Disability in Education
• A Deeper Look: Disproportionality in Special Education
• Methodological Insights: Uncovering Systemic Inequities
• Breaking New Ground: Key Findings from Dr. Tefera's Research
• The Construct of Defectcraft: Rethinking Disability and Race
• Unveiling Histories: The Impact of Past Policies on Present Practices
• Shaping Futures: Implications for Education in Diverse Communities

Resources:

• Disability and Difference in Global Contexts: Enabling a Transformative Body Politic – by Nirmala Ervelles
• Toward an Interdisciplinary Understanding of Educational Equity and Difference: The Case of the Racialization of Ability - By Alfredo Artiles

In this episode of Inquiry Oasis, host Jeffrey Anthony talks with Dr. Ji Hong a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona's College of Education. The central theme centers around Dr. Hong's research on multiple marginalized and underrepresented teachers. We explore the challenges these teachers confront, emphasizing the role of intersectional identities in shaping both their personal and professional experiences. Dr. Hong underscores the necessity of qualitative research methodologies in capturing the depth and nuance of these lived experiences. By doing so, she argues for a reevaluation of educational systems to better support and understand marginalized teachers. 

Topics Discussed:

• The Significance of Identity: Understanding the experiences of multiple marginalized and underrepresented teachers.
• Methodological Choices: The role of qualitative research in capturing complex lived experiences.
• Intersectionality: How intersecting identities complicate the challenges faced by marginalized teachers.
• Educational Systems: Critiquing current practices and policies that perpetuate inequality and marginalization.
• Personal Narratives: Dr. Hong's journey into this line of research and its relevance.
• Real-world Implications: The direct effects of teacher marginalization on educational quality and student well-being.
• Future Directions: Dr. Hong's vision for a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.

Recommended Paper

Can educational psychology be harnessed to make changes for the greater good? By Francesca Lopez

Other Resources:

Wellbeing under threat: Multiply marginalized and underrepresented teachers’ intersecting identities by Ji Hong and Dionne Cross Francis

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Inquiry Oasis as we delve into the inspiring work of Dr. Iliana Reyes at the University of Arizona, College of Education. Dr. Reyes takes us through her vital role at the Borderlands Education Center, an initiative strengthened by a recent Department of Education grant. Her rich dialogues with children, pre-service teachers, and community stakeholders shed light on the multifaceted nature of education, from fostering inclusive experiences to enhancing local and global perspectives. This episode is a compelling exploration of the intersections of education, community connection, innovative teaching practices, and cultural understanding – an essential listen for those committed to a more engaged and reflective educational landscape.

Topics Discussed:

• University of Arizona's status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
• Project ADALANTE and The Borderlands Education Center
• Interaction between pre-service teachers and young children's theories
• The role of educators in translating knowledge into practice
• Responsive teaching strategies for specific students and community needs
• International initiatives and the value of diverse local community experiences
• The 25th anniversary of the influential book "Funds of Knowledge"

 Recommended Book:

Funds of Knowledge: Theorizing Practices in Households, Communities, and Classrooms by Norma Gonzalez, Luis Moll, and Kathy Amanti

In this episode of the Inquiry Oasis, host Jeffrey Anthony sits down with Dr. Sunggye Hong, a leading faculty member at the University of Arizona's College of Education, who is breaking new ground in the realm of accessible science education for the visually impaired. Dr. Hong elucidates the transformative possibilities that lie at the intersection of assistive technology, multisensory approaches, and STEM curricula. Their conversation takes us on a journey from the barriers of traditional educational paradigms to the frontiers of inclusivity, revealing how Dr. Hong's work is not merely about accommodation, but about redefining the very fabric of educational experiences. Tune in to discover an inspiring narrative that challenges us to think differently about the role of technology and sensory diversity in shaping a more equitable academic landscape.

Topics Covered:

• The Evolution of Assistive Technology
• The Significance of Multisensory Learning
• The Role of Planetary Science in Inclusive Education
• Navigating the Barriers to Accessibility in STEM
• The Impact of High Expectations on Students with Visual Impairments
• Dr. Hong's Personal Journey and Motivations
• Community Benefits of Inclusive Research at the University of Arizona
• Future Horizons: Dr. Hong's Vision for Assistive Technologies

Book Recommendation:

• Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma

In this captivating episode of the Inquiry Oasis we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Corey Knox. Dr. Knox, newly appointed as the Deputy Director at the University of Arizona’s Astrobiology Center, shares her unique trajectory from education researcher to her role in this new center. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Knox illuminates the profound ways in which science interacts with local communities and cultures and reveals the interconnectedness of astrobiology with urgent global issues such as climate change. Knox’s reflections on her time at the College of Education and its vibrant community are as enriching as her insights into education as a tool for liberation. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the confluence of science, education, and social equity.

Topics Discussed:

• The mission and vision of the University of Arizona's Astrobiology Center
• Interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology: Combining astronomy, biology, humanities, and indigenous knowledge
• Relevance of astrobiology to understanding and addressing climate change
• Connecting astrobiology discoveries with lived human experiences across cultures
• The foundational role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in astrobiology and education
• Incorporating Tucson's local community histories and innovative practices in educational initiatives
• Educators as facilitators: Bridging various disciplines in the university
• Influence and significance of Dr. Knox's recommended readings on her worldview
• Education as a tool for individual and societal liberation: Insights from 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed'

Books:

• Life on Other Planets: A Memoir of Finding My Place in the Universe by Aomawa Shields
• Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

In this episode of The Inquiry Oasis, host Jeffrey Anthony speaks with Dr. Valerie Shirley and Dr. Jeremy Garcia, co-founding directors of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the University of Arizona College of Education. The discussion meticulously dissects the ITEP framework, philosophy, and its consequential impact on Indigenous students, schools, and communities. Exploring topics that range from the program's origins to its broader socio-cultural implications, the episode weaves a compelling narrative that underscores the need for culturally attuned and community-based approaches in education.

Topics Discussed

• Indigenous Epistemologies: The Knowledge Systems Guiding ITEP
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The Ideological Foundation of ITEP
• Cultural and Community Context: ITEP's Grounding in Indigenous Communities
• The Role of Ceremonies and Cultural Practices in Indigenous Education
• Intersecting Identities: Navigating Multiple Cultural Spaces in Education
• The Pedagogical Journey: Academic Paths and Influences of Drs. Shirley and Garcia
• ITEP's Impact and Future: Addressing Challenges and Charting New Directions

Recommended Books

• Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts by Margaret Kovach
• Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies, Teaching and Learning for justice, Justice in a Changing World by Django Paris
• Red Pedagogy: Native American Social and Political Thought by Sandy Grande

Embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of early childhood robotics with Dr. Sung eun Jung, an early childhood educator and researcher specializing in robotics education at the University of Arizona College of Education. In this episode, we explore the existential and ontological questions young children pose about robots, the cultural implications of programming, and the future of culturally responsive STEM teaching and learning. Dr. Sung’s insights into children's agency, empowerment, and the importance of hands-on interaction offer a profound look into how technology can shape children's understanding of the world. This episode provides an invaluable perspective for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and child development.

Topics Discussed:

• The philosophical inquiries of children in relation to robots
• The cultural norms and values embedded in robot programming
• The future vision for early childhood robotics and STEM education
• Culturally responsive pedagogy and community engagement
• The importance of agency in children's interaction with technology
• The connection between pedagogy and equity for marginalized children
• The role of early childhood educators in shaping robotic education

Books Discussed:

Good Guys Don't Wear Hats": Children's Talk About The Media by Joseph Tobin

Learn more:

https://coe.arizona.edu/