Strengthening the Research Base that Informs STEM Instructional Improvement Efforts: A Meta-Analysis

Authors
Kathleen Lynch,
Heather Hill,
Kathryn Gonzalez,
Cynthia Pollard
Year of publication
2019
Publication
Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis

We present results from a meta-analysis of 95 experimental and quasi-experimental preK-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professional development and curriculum programs, seeking to understand what content, activities and formats relate to stronger student outcomes. Across rigorously conducted studies, we found an average weighted impact estimate of +0.21 standard deviations. Programs saw stronger outcomes when they helped teachers learn to use curriculum materials; focused on improving teachers' content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and/or understanding of how students learn; incorporated summer workshops; and included teacher meetings to troubleshoot and discuss classroom implementation. We discuss implications for policy and practice.

Suggested Citation

Lynch, K., Hill, H., Gonzalez, K., & Pollard, C. (2019). Strengthening the Research Base that Informs STEM Instructional Improvement Efforts: A Meta-Analysis. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis