Geoscience Education Research

Geoscience education research (GER) involves the development, application, and evaluation of new geoscience teaching innovations and curricula, as well as the development and testing of geoscience education research questions and hypotheses. Faculty involved in GER apply interdisciplinary knowledge of the geosciences (e.g. marine, earth, atmospheric and geospace sciences), educational psychology and teaching practices in lecture, lab and field settings.

Geoscience Education Faculty

Katherine Ryker

Dr. Ryker explores connections between reformed classroom practices, student learning, teaching beliefs and the implementation of inquiry-based labs in introductory geoscience lectures and labs. Her research interests also include online educational resources, professional development, and student learning strategies and engagement in large introductory courses. She is part of a team looking at the connection between teaching beliefs and practices for geoscience faculty members at a variety of institutions across the country.

Scott White

Most of the Earth's surface is hidden underwater, from the deep seafloor to wetland environments. Revealing the patterns and processes in these marine environments is the overarching theme of Scott's research group in marine geology and geophysics.