Ask The Expert

Oct 24, 2023

Why is Inquiry-based Learning Important in Social Studies Classrooms? ‘I Very Much Believe Inquiry is a Life Skill,’ Says Associate Dean John Lee

Associate Dean John Lee says that when educators engage students in the social studies classroom, they should do so with the expectation that those young people are novices, who have limited prior experience with the content. While there are many teaching and learning practices that don’t account for this perspective, Lee said, using an inquiry-based approach can meet students where they are, honoring their current level of intellectual development while setting high expectations and encouraging them to take action. 

Aug 18, 2023

How Can Game-based Learning Improve Student Achievement in STEM? ‘We See the Immediate Benefits of Having Students More Interested in Learning,’ Says Professor Emeritus Eric Wiebe

When students engage in game-based learning in STEM classrooms, they not only learn content, but learn the practices they will need to be successful in STEM subjects, according to NC State College of Education Professor Emeritus Eric Wiebe. 

Jun 29, 2023

How Can Teachers Effectively Lead an Inclusive Elementary School Classroom? Assistant Teaching Professor Jordan Lukins Shares Skills, Tips and Online Resources

About 15% of all K-12 students have some type of disability for which they receive special education services. Of those students, two out of three will spend the entire school day, or a majority of their school day, in a general education classroom. For this reason, Assistant Teaching Professor Jordan Lukins believes that it’s important to bridge the gap between special and general education in schools and when preparing preservice teachers. 

May 17, 2023

How Can One Lead with Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education? ‘To Engage in a Way That is Excellent Means Looking at How We Can Improve the Society and Conditions Around Us,’ Says Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita Mary Ann Danowitz

NC State College of Education Professor and Former Dean Mary Ann Danowitz shares what it means for a leader to work toward inclusive excellence as well as how inclusive excellence can be applied on a global scale. 

Apr 11, 2023

Why Are Discourse and Social Interaction Important in Statistics Lessons? Data Science is ‘Inherently Interdisciplinary’ Says Assistant Professor Sunghwan Byun

Data science is “inherently interdisciplinary,” says NC State College of Education Assistant Professor Sunghwan Byun, which is why he says a focus on discourse and social interaction is crucial when teaching data and statistics. 

Mar 7, 2023

How Can Parents and Teachers Help Students Be Digitally Safe? ‘We Should Start Very Early, Even at the Preschool Level, With Some Simple Lessons,’ Says Professor Florence Martin

The digital landscape for children has drastically changed over the past decade, which means it’s more important than ever that children learn how to be digitally safe from a young age, says NC State College of Education Professor of Learning, Design and Technology Florence Martin. 

Jan 17, 2023

What Are Some Healthy Ways for Adolescents to Engage with Social Media? Assistant Professor Adria Dunbar Shares Tips for Engaging with Intentionality

Social media can be a great way for youth to connect with others and explore their interests, but constant use of social media can have a negative impact on teens' mental health, according to Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Adria Dunbar. Here are some tips and strategies for engaging in social media in healthy ways. 

Nov 29, 2022

How Can Teachers Use Social Media for Professional Development? ‘When Teachers Network Together, They’re in a Collaborative Structure Where Their Expertise is Valued’ Says Assistant Professor Robin Anderson

When discussing professional development for teachers, thoughts often turn to formal sessions, but many educators are drawn to places where they can learn independently, which is why many turn to social media, says Assistant Professor Robin Anderson. 

Oct 20, 2022

How Can Educators Help Linguistically Diverse Students in Rural Schools? ‘We Need to Think About the Expectations That We Have For Our Students’ Says Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity Maria Coady

No matter where an educator teaches, they are likely to encounter students who are multilingual, but not all educators are equipped with the skills or tools needed to adequately meet the needs of these students. This is particularly true, said Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity Maria Coady, in rural areas where resources may be limited. 

Sep 22, 2022

How Can You Turn Around Low-Performing Schools? ‘Investing in Teachers and Principals Gives Our School Improvement Efforts a Much Better Chance of Success,’ Says Assistant Professor Lam Pham

All across the United States, there are schools that are considered to be low performing, and Assistant Professor Lam Pham believes small interventions are not enough to improve student achievement. Instead, he said whole-school reform is required to turnaround chronically low-performing schools.