Directed Self Guided Learning of Blended Math-Science Sensemaking for Historically Marginalized STEM Learners

Abstract: Blended math science sensemaking (MSS) is reflected in a student ability to integrate math and science knowledge to develop mathematical descriptions of observations. While an important component of scientific thinking, there is little research on teaching MSS. Students from backgrounds historically marginalized in STEM often lack prior learning opportunities needed to succeed in STEM. Supporting them in developing MSS could help them build quantitative understanding and improve STEM performance. Fostering MSS calls for supporting transferable, lifelong skills. We designed and tested a self-guided learning model grounded in simulations and a cognitive framework to achieve transferable MSS. We tested the activities grounded in the framework with 27 students from backgrounds historically marginalized in STEM attending minority serving 2- and 4-year US colleges. We evaluated long and short-term MSS transfer by asking student to complete transfer tasks immediately following and at least 1 week post activity. Most students started at the lowest and progressed to the highest MSS level and demonstrated considerable short and long-term transfer after completing just one activity, suggesting the effectiveness of this approach for fostering transferable MSS.