Research Spotlight: Dr. Noushin Nouri
Q & A with Dr. Noushin Nouri, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning
What are your research interests and research achievements?
All my studies are in the area of science education. My main research interest is the nature and history of science. In this area, I investigate teachers’ understanding of how science works and suggest ways to improve their knowledge. In order to do this in the best way, I have to know the best strategies and methods. That is why I do research about the history of science, authentic science, and sociocultural issues because they are tools to teach the nature of science. I also conduct research in the area of culturally sustained pedagogy and translanguaging pedagogy to communicate the nature of science. Currently, I have 5 published articles in top journals and 2 book chapters. I also have 1 accepted journal article and one accepted book chapter.
How does your work align with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plans?
Both the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s and College of Education and P-16 Integration’s mission and vision is preparing our students in a way that is responsive to their needs. By including culturally sustained and translanguaging pedagogy, I am committed to this mission.
What are your current projects?
Currently, I am working on 3 articles. The first one is related to designing educational materials for teaching the nature of science. The second one is related to the effect of a culturally relevant workshop in Latinx students’ understanding of NOS. The third one is a theoretical article connecting culturally relevant pedagogy and the nature of science. I have an IRB pending for offering a workshop to help preservice teachers develop an understanding of the nature of science, culturally relevant pedagogy, and translanguaging. I also have an IRB pending for developing a culturally relevant Nature of science questionnaire and investigating science faculties' knowledge of the Nature of science, culturally relevant pedagogy, and translanguaging.