I have two broad research areas. I am interested in disciplinary-based education research examining instructional effectiveness in post-secondary science learning environments. Instructional effectiveness is a dual function of both the instructor and the student and can be especially challenging for both parties when class sizes are large. From the perspective of the student, I am currently looking at changes in student motivation within intentionally-constructed collaborative groups and how it can be harnessed to assist students in achieving critical learning objectives. From the perspective of the instructor I am particularly interested in how and why science faculty (including graduate students) choose to adopt (or discontinue) use of research-based instructional strategies in the sciences.
