Professor Valarie Akerson has been elected Chair of the AERA Science Teaching and Learning special interest group. Her term will begin at the end of the annual AERA Conference this year.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide a forum within AERA for the involvement of individuals drawn together by a common interest in a field of study, teaching, or research when the existing divisional structure may not directly facilitate such activity. The Association provides SIGs program time at the Annual Meeting, publicity, scheduling, staff support, viability, and the prestige of AERA affiliation.
As chair, Akerson will provide leadership for the Science Teaching and Learning SIG for the next three years, and will help with running the program for the Science Teaching and Learning group, run meetings, and help AERA to support Science Teaching and Learning research. Her role in the Science Teaching and Learning SIG is to promote research that advances the understanding and improvement of teaching, learning, and understanding in the natural sciences, including philosophical, psychological, and sociocultural issues.
“I’m excited as one of the things I most love is science teaching and learning, and also research on science teaching and learning! It will be a role that I hope to fill well, and hope to make a difference not only for AERA through the role, but also to science teachers, science teacher educators, and their students through research. It is very exciting!” Akerson said.