Making Education Research Work for Real Classrooms

How can science researchers and educators bridge the research-practice gap?

Today on Science with Impact, we explore the significant challenges faced by high school chemistry educators and practitioners in accessing current research in chemistry education with Ryan Johnson.

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🤔 Who is this for?

This episode offers valuable perspectives for both educators and researchers in the field of chemistry education.

📋 What is it about?

In this insightful discussion, Ryan Johnson, a high school and college chemistry educator from Colorado Springs, Colorado, addresses the significant challenges practitioners face in accessing chemistry education research.

The conversation explores the significance of connection and mentorship, the influence of bridging high school and college chemistry education, and practical steps to make research more accessible and applicable in the classroom.

Emphasizing the value of professional learning communities and structural support, the educator highlights the need for systemic changes to make science education research more inclusive of practitioners.

⌚️ Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Background

02:07 Challenges in Chemistry Education

05:13 Building Connections and Overcoming Obstacles

07:25 The Importance of Mentorship

09:31 Making Research Accessible and Applicable

12:33 Bridging the Research-Practitioner Gap

19:21 Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks

📣 Guest

Ryan Johnson | Chemistry Instructor: United States Air Force Academy/Prep School

📄 Resources

Johnson, R. (2022). Bridging the Divide Between Chemistry Educators and Chemistry Education Researchers, Journal of Chemical Education. 99 (11), 3631-3632. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c01035.

Rosa, V. (2023). Writing practically-relevant education research, Volume 1 (2023). Journal of Broader Impacts in STEM. https://doi.org/10.21428/a70c814c.fade888d/39138e86.