Examples of Research in Teaching Methods
 

•  Researching or writing "Concept Test" questions on a particular subject and measuring their validity.
•  Design, implementation, and evaluation of a manipulative model for the fission process.
•  Design, implementation, and evaluation of an in-class activity on the Doppler Shift.
•  Development of graphics or animations illustrating astronomical processes (e.g., stellar evolution) and evaluating their effectiveness.
•  Creation of a Java Applet allowing students to explore the operation of an electrostatic charged particle analyzer (outreach project for the NASA STEREO mission).
•  Classroom observation and analysis of teacher/student behavior.  For example, in laboratory situations, how do students divide into groups, what roles do students take on within groups, are there controllable factors influencing the effectiveness of groups?