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GRG is known primarily as a research firm specializing in evaluation of educational programs, materials, and services. However, every now and then, GRG pursues its own research about topics that pique our interest. In March 2010, GRG received its own three year grant from the National Science Foundation, Division of Gender in Science and Engineering.
Our research project, the Massachusetts Linking Experiences and Pathways (M-LEAP) study, is designed to answer the question: How do students' in-school and out-of-school experiences shape their choices related to their future careers? M-LEAP is a longitudinal study of 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary school students who will be followed for three years. Their parents, teachers, district subject matter specialists, and community program representatives will also provide data.
We have selected a diverse sample of 10 school districts in Massachusetts to participate in the study. These schools are a mix of urban, suburban, and rural in different parts of the state, and the sample provides diversity in terms of socioeconomic status and of race/ethnicity.
The research team consists of GRG staff members Irene F. Goodman, Ed.D., Principal Investigator; Karen Gareis, Ph.D., co-PI and Project Director; Elizabeth Bachrach, Ph.D., co-PI, and Helena Pylvainen, B.A., Research Assistant. The two other co-PIs are Jacque Eccles, Ph.D., University of Michigan, and Robert T. Brennan, Ed.D., independent consultant. Dr. Eccles is the creator of the Eccles et al. Expectancy Value Model of Achievement-Related Choices. Dr. Brennan is a statistical methodologist who specializes in the complex statistical modeling techniques that will be necessary to analyze the data from the M-LEAP study.
In Spring 2010, GRG began an evaluation of the Fulbright New Century Scholars Program (NCS) which is designed to help the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) inform and enhance the NCS program. We are currently collecting data through a series of online focus groups with groups of Fulbright New Century Scholars who participated in the program since 2001.
NCS is an initiative under the Fulbright Scholars Program, launched in 2001 by the CIES, a division of the Institute of International Education, and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.
The program brings together approximately 30 outstanding research scholars and professionals from the U.S. and abroad to work collaboratively over the course of a year on a topic of global significance. Engaging in multidisciplinary examination of the chosen topic and together seeking solutions to critical issues affecting all humankind, scholars work collaboratively with international colleagues while advancing their own individual research projects.
Senior Research Associate, Elizabeth Bachrach, presented the findings from a five-year longitudinal study of SAE International's A World in Motion (AWIM) curriculum to the SAE Foundation Board of Trustees at the 2010 SAE World Congress meeting in Detroit, Michigan.
AWIM is a physical science program which aims to promote science and mathematics literacy of elementary through high school students by providing curriculum materials for authentic engineering design activities in the classroom that support a multidisciplinary, cooperative working experience.
Findings indicated that after using the AWIM curriculum in their classroom for 4 to 8 weeks in 5th, 7th, or 8th grade, students retained an increased understanding of engineers and engineering and more positive attitudes about engineering. These outcomes were enhanced when an industry volunteer participated in the AWIM activities in the classrooms.
On March 22, 2010, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation honored GRG’s newest staff member, project manager Rachel Schechter, as the research-award winner of its 6th annual Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship program is dedicated to the legacy of Fred Rogers, of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" fame, and acknowledges graduate students for their innovative ideas and dedication to the education and development of children through media. Rachel’s award will support her dissertation work to examine the effectiveness of songs to teach educational content on preschool television shows.
As a doctoral student at Tufts University, Rachel’s presentation of her evaluation of an infant singing program received the honor of first prize in the Graduate Student Council Research Symposium on April 10, 2010. The symposium featured graduate students from different departments in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as well as the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. |
