Research that makes a difference
Research in TPTE can be described along four themes. These themes are Learning and Learners, Teaching and Teachers, and Inclusive and Productive Learning Environments with the strand of data science research and methodologies intersecting each of these themes. TPTE faculty are committed to efforts that have the potential to transform education.
Learning and Learners
This theme focuses on understanding and enhancing the experiences of learners in formal and informal educational settings including PreK-12 education and learning that extends beyond this timeframe and context. Research along this theme explores the factors that motivate and engage learners. This theme also includes research that studies the processes of learning and how to support learning that is experienced as meaningful. Further, TPTE faculty conduct conceptual analyses to draw on new theoretical perspectives to develop deeper understandings of how people learn. By addressing comprehensive practices and supports, this theme aims to ensure learning opportunities that foster growth and resilience for all learners.
Teaching and Teachers
This theme centers on advancing effective teaching practices, developing supports for teachers, and fostering professional growth for educators. One area of research related to this theme has to do with the preparation of teachers across content areas. This theme also includes research on innovative instructional strategies, teacher preparation programs, and workforce development initiatives. Another area within this theme is research seeking to understand and document teachers’ experiences and identities. In addition, other areas focus on resources and support for teacher learning.
Accessible and Productive Learning Environments
This theme emphasizes the design and ongoing assessment of learning spaces and practices that promote consequential educational experiences for individuals and communities. This theme highlights the importance of the design of practices and tools and involves universal design, engaging approaches, theoretical frameworks, and partnership-building that can lead to learning that is relevant and substantial. This theme also includes aspects that surround and are connected to learning including resources that promote wellness among students, teachers, and school communities across Tennessee and beyond.
Educational Systems
The contexts in which TPTE faculty work are nested within schools, communities, broader systems of education and society. This theme of research includes workforce and economic development, contributing to broader initiatives that strengthen teacher preparation, and recognizing or addressing structural aspects that impact learning, teaching, and teacher preparation.
Data Science: A Connecting Strand
Data science serves as a strand that intersects all themes, providing the tools and additional insights to address critical educational challenges. Using advanced analytics and big data, data science supports efforts to enhance learner engagement, refine teaching practices, and inform the design of inclusive environments. This strand includes using data-driven insights to inform decision-making, enhance educational practices and structures, and address challenges that matter to schools and communities.
Special Projects
Arts-Based Data Visualization Project
The Arts-Based Data Visualization Project is a STEAM initiative designed to inspire and support Grade 4-8 students’ data visualizations across arts and STEM learning contexts.
ASL Literacy Instruction in Deaf Education
This work will generate high-quality evidence on how instruction shapes deaf students’ signing skills and equip teacher prep and PD programs with proven methods to support that growth.