Award V: Implications of Research for Educational Practice recognizes the best ASTE 2007 paper presentation that seeks identify a paper presented at our last ASTE conference that identifies a persistent and recurring problem in the practice of science teacher education. The paper should develop strategies to resolve the problem based upon a comprehensive synthesis of relevant research and interpret theory and research for practice.

We have two award winners this year who share the award, and these are Ms. Anita Martin and Dr. Brian Hand, both of the University of Iowa. Congratulations!

This award is for Ms. Martin and Dr. Hands’ 2007 ASTE paper entitled, A Case Study of a Fifth Grade Teachers' Changes in Methodology During a Two-Year Timeframe.

Anita Martin received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in Education Administration. Anita Martine taught elementary school K-6 for 20 years and was a K-8 school administrator for 2 years. Anita’s doctoral research focuses on the role of teacher beliefs about teaching and learning as a factor of experienced teacher’s implement elements of argument in their elementary classrooms. Her teaching interests include professional development models that narrow the gap between theory and practice for teachers.

Dr. Brian Martin is a Professor of Science Education at the University of Iowa. Prior to moving to the University of Iowa, he was the Director of the Research Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education at Iowa State University. Hand’s research focuses on two areas. The first area focuses on language and writing as learning tools to improve students’ understanding of science and the use of multi-modal representation with science classrooms. The second area of research is the development of scientific argument through the use of the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH). This research is aimed at helping students learn to use science argument to construct science knowledge. He has received external funding from NSF and the Iowa Department of Education. He has is currently a member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal for Research in Science Education, International Journal of Science Education, Research in Science Education, Science Education, and Elementary Science Education Journal.  He has published two books, with two in press, 16 book chapters and 60 referred journal articles. Brian Hand was a high school chemistry/physics teacher for 11 years and has extensive experience working with educators from K-13 professional development settings.