Sacramento State - PAGE TITLE

My current research involves looking at best practices for teaching chemistry to pre-service K-6 teachers. My approach is based on research in cognitive science including development and use of models and their representations, learning cycles, Piaget and constructivism, Viagotsky and collaborative learning as well as current understanding concerning naïve misconceptions, experts versus novices, concept maps and study skills. I explore both non-traditional teaching and assessment methods to create student-centered curriculum (see Book and Publication List).

My research students are currently applying similar methodologies to development of a physical science course, a preparatory chemistry course, and K-8 materials for English language learners.

Recent Book and Publication List (since coming to CSUS)
•    “Explorations in Conceptual Chemistry: A Student Activity Manual”; J. Paradis; Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco, 2007.
•    “Hands on Chemistry: A General Chemistry Laboratory Manual”; J. Paradis, K. Spotz; McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.
•    “Developing a Laboratory Model for the Professional Preparation of Future Science Teachers: A Situated Cognition Perspective” A. Sweeney, J. Paradis; Res. Sci. Ed. 2004, 34, 195.
•    “Addressing the Professional Preparation of Future Science Teachers to Teach Hands-on Science: A Pilot Study of a Laboratory Model” A. Sweeney, J. Paradis; J. Chem. Ed. 2003, 80, 171.

Recent (2006) Presented Talks and Professional Development Workshops
•    Invited talk: “Science Teaching Reconsidered: The Chemistry Classroom in the 21st Century” California State University Los Angeles, Chemistry Department Seminar; October 17, 2006.
•    Invited talk: “Science Teaching Reconsidered: The Chemistry Classroom in the 21st Century” San Francisco State University, Chemistry Department Seminar; September 29, 2006.
•    Accepted talk: “Chemistry rethought: Preparing Pre-service K-8 Teachers to Teach Science” American Chemical Society National Meeting; San Francisco, CA; September 10-14, 2006.
•    I have three talks that have been accepted for the Biennial Conference in Chemical Education, Purdue, IN; July 30- August 3, 2006.
•    Invited talk: “Chemistry rethought: Preparing Pre-service K-8 Teachers to Teach Science” American Chemical Society symposium on Chemistry for Pre-service K-8 Teachers; Washington, DC; July 14-16, 2006.
•    “Water in Our Community: Using Case Studies to Teach Science” Northern California Science Education Symposium; Davis, CA; May 19, 2006.
•    “The Science Classroom in the 21st Century: Using Guided Inquiry to Engage and Educate” California State University Science Education Colloquium; California Polytechnic University, Pomona; May 5- 6, 2006.
•    “Science Teaching Reconsidered: The Chemistry Classroom in the 21st Century” California State University Sacramento, Chemistry Department Seminar; April 28, 2006.
•    “Water in Our Community Lives: A Case Study Approach to Science Teacher Development” National Association for Research in Science Teaching National Meeting; San Francisco; April 4, 2006.
•    “Chemistry rethought: Preparing Pre-service K-8 Teachers to Teach Science” American Chemical Society National Meeting; Atlanta, GA; March 25-29, 2006.
•    “Using standards-based, social justice case studies as a vehicle for learning, understanding, and communicating science concepts for both English only and English Language Learners at all grade levels” California Association of Bilingual Education; San Jose, CA; March 3, 2006.

Recent Professional Activities
•    Co-organizer of Northern California Science Education Symposium; Attended by 80 science education faculty from 20 institutions of higher learning; Davis, CA; May 19, 2006.