Society & Culture

UGA education prof co-authors book on enhancing science learning for all students

Athens, Ga. – Comprehensive, state-of-the-field analysis of theories and strategies for improving the teaching and learning of science in increasingly diverse classrooms is provided in a book recently co-authored by a University of Georgia education professor.

Cory Buxton, an associate professor in the College of Education’s department of elementary and social studies education, and Okhee Lee, a professor of teaching and learning at the University of Miami, have written a book titled, “Diversity and Equity in Science Education: Research, Policy, and Practice” (Teachers’ College Press).

Buxton and Lee address current trends in the research, policy, and practice of science education and suggest practical means of eliminating gaps in science achievement.

The authors examine instructional practices, science curriculum materials, assessment, teacher education, school organization, federal and state policies, and home-school connections.

The book also includes a compilation of research in science education and its application to practice and policy, a description of effective practices for eliminating science achievement gaps among demographic subgroups of students, a focus on the unique learning needs of English language learners and an analysis of major science education initiatives, interventions and programs that have been successful with nonmainstream students. The book was published in May 2010.

Buxton joined the UGA faculty in 2008. He received his Ph.D. in science education from the University of Colorado.