Discipline-based education research (DBER) is a term that refers to research that investigates learning and teaching in a specific discipline, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It focuses on using evidence-based knowledge and practices to improve teaching and learning in these disciplines. DBER combines disciplinary perspectives with educational research methodologies to enhance undergraduate education. It has led to meaningful improvements in student learning and participation in STEM disciplines. DBER is a relatively new field that has gained recognition within individual STEM disciplines and is starting to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipline based education research (DBER) investigates learning and teaching in specific disciplines.
- DBER combines disciplinary perspectives with educational research methodologies.
- DBER focuses on improving undergraduate education in STEM disciplines.
- DBER has led to meaningful improvements in student learning outcomes and participation in STEM.
- DBER promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration within STEM disciplines.
Defining DBER
Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a type of research that focuses on investigating learning and teaching within specific disciplines, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It aims to apply knowledge and practices from the discipline itself to improve undergraduate education. DBER combines the perspectives and methodologies of the discipline with educational research to generate evidence-based knowledge.
DBER research goes beyond traditional education research by specifically examining teaching and learning in the context of a particular discipline. It delves into the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to STEM disciplines and seeks to develop theories and models that are discipline-specific and applicable to real-world educational settings. By doing so, DBER aims to enhance student learning outcomes and increase engagement in STEM disciplines.
Key Features of DBER:
- Focuses on learning and teaching within specific disciplines
- Uses evidence-based knowledge to improve undergraduate education
- Combines disciplinary perspectives with educational research methodologies
- Seeks to develop discipline-specific theories and models
- Enhances student learning outcomes and engagement in STEM disciplines
DBER has primarily been applied in STEM disciplines, where it has led to significant advancements in teaching and learning practices. However, its principles and methodologies have the potential to be used in other fields as well. By defining DBER as a distinct field of study and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, we can further enhance undergraduate education and contribute to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning practices.
The Importance of DBER
Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) has had a profound impact on undergraduate education in STEM disciplines. By focusing on evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, DBER has led to significant improvements in student learning outcomes, increased student engagement and participation, and enhanced teaching practices.
One of the key benefits of DBER is its emphasis on evidence-based approaches. Through rigorous research and analysis, DBER has helped educators implement effective instructional methods that are grounded in empirical evidence. This ensures that teaching practices are informed by the latest research and best practices, leading to improved student understanding and achievement.
Furthermore, DBER has contributed to the development of disciplinary-specific resources, curriculum, and assessments. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within each discipline, DBER researchers have been able to create tailored educational materials that align with the needs of students and instructors. This has resulted in more relevant and engaging learning experiences for students, ultimately enhancing their understanding and retention of important concepts.
The Benefits of DBER:
- Improved student learning outcomes
- Increased student engagement and participation
- Enhanced teaching practices
- Evidence-based approaches to instruction
- Disciplinary-specific resources and curriculum
- Relevant and engaging learning experiences
In summary, DBER plays a crucial role in promoting evidence-based teaching and learning in STEM disciplines. Its impact can be seen in improved student outcomes, increased engagement, and the development of effective instructional practices. By continuing to prioritize research and collaboration, DBER will continue to drive innovation and improvement in undergraduate education.
The Role of DBER in Education Research
Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) plays a vital role in advancing education research, particularly in the field of STEM education. DBER is a unique interdisciplinary field that integrates discipline-specific perspectives with educational research methodologies, allowing researchers to develop theories and models of teaching and learning specific to a discipline.
By combining their expertise in a specific discipline with knowledge of the science of teaching and learning, DBER researchers contribute valuable insights into effective instructional practices in STEM disciplines. They generate evidence-based knowledge that improves undergraduate education and enhances student learning outcomes. DBER has also led to the development of disciplinary-specific resources, curriculum, and assessments, further contributing to the field of education research.
The integration of DBER into education research has broader implications beyond individual disciplines. It provides valuable insights into effective teaching and learning strategies that can be applied across different STEM disciplines. DBER’s focus on evidence-based practices not only benefits educators and students but also helps address the challenges faced by the broader society in terms of science literacy, workforce development, and addressing complex societal issues.
Advancing the STEM DBER Alliance
The STEM DBER Alliance is a vibrant community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among DBER researchers. By bringing together experts from different STEM disciplines, the Alliance aims to promote knowledge sharing, innovative methodologies, and cross-disciplinary research. Through conferences, workshops, and webinars, the Alliance provides a platform for researchers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues of collaboration. By creating a common voice for DBER, the Alliance advocates for the recognition and advancement of this valuable field of study.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the core of the STEM DBER Alliance. By transcending disciplinary boundaries, researchers can leverage their expertise to address complex societal challenges and improve STEM education. The Alliance encourages researchers to explore new research questions, develop interdisciplinary projects, and pool their resources to tackle pressing issues. By fostering these collaborations, the STEM DBER Alliance aims to advance the field of DBER and contribute to the broader advancement of STEM education and science literacy.
Benefits of Advancing DBER
- Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among DBER researchers
- Facilitates knowledge sharing and innovative methodologies
- Advocates for the recognition and advancement of DBER
- Fosters collaboration to address complex societal challenges
- Contributes to the improvement of STEM education and science literacy
The STEM DBER Alliance plays a crucial role in advancing DBER research. By connecting researchers and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the Alliance helps to create a vibrant and collaborative DBER community. Through their collective efforts, DBER researchers can continue to make significant contributions to undergraduate education and enhance teaching and learning practices in STEM disciplines.
Value of DBER-A at Multiple Levels
The STEM DBER Alliance, also known as DBER-A, offers immense value to various stakeholders across multiple levels. At an individual level, DBER-A provides a platform for researchers to connect, collaborate, and gain recognition within the DBER community. Through conferences, workshops, and webinars, researchers can share their knowledge, exchange strategies, and stay abreast of the latest advancements in DBER. Building alliances with researchers from different disciplines further enhances their research and expands their professional networks.
Within the DBER community, DBER-A plays a crucial role in advocacy and capacity-building. By creating a common voice, DBER-A strengthens the status and recognition of individual DBER fields. It fosters a sense of community and support, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge exchange. Through collective efforts, the DBER community can develop shared resources, standards, and best practices, ultimately elevating the quality of research and education in STEM disciplines.
On a broader societal level, DBER-A contributes to the improvement of STEM education, science literacy, and workforce development. By addressing complex societal challenges, DBER-A helps ensure that STEM education prepares students to tackle real-world problems effectively. The Alliance’s focus on evidence-based teaching and learning also promotes the adoption of best practices, leading to enhanced educational outcomes and increased science literacy among the general population. Ultimately, DBER-A contributes to building a strong foundation for a scientifically literate society that can thrive in an ever-changing world.
Key benefits of DBER-A:
- Opportunities for networking and collaborations for individual DBER researchers.
- Advocacy and capacity-building within the DBER community.
- Enhanced status and recognition of individual DBER fields.
- Improvement of STEM education, science literacy, and workforce development.
- Addressing complex societal challenges through evidence-based teaching and learning.
Overall, the STEM DBER Alliance (DBER-A) brings together researchers, educators, and stakeholders to promote collaboration, advance research, and improve education in STEM disciplines. Its value extends from the individual level, where it supports researchers, to the broader societal level, where it contributes to the development of a scientifically literate population. By fostering a community of practice and advocating for evidence-based teaching and learning, DBER-A plays a crucial role in shaping the future of STEM education and research.
SoTL vs. DBER
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) are two distinct but related fields that aim to improve teaching and learning in higher education. While both focus on enhancing undergraduate education, they have different characteristics and approaches.
SoTL Research
SoTL research primarily explores effective teaching practices and student learning within individual courses or instructional contexts. It aims to provide evidence for specific teaching practices and may use a variety of research methods. SoTL researchers often work within their own disciplinary contexts, investigating how to improve teaching and learning within their specific field. The findings of SoTL research are typically more context-specific and may not be easily generalized to other disciplines.
DBER Research
In contrast, DBER research goes beyond individual courses and aims to construct models and test theories of teaching and learning within specific disciplines. DBER researchers integrate disciplinary perspectives, content knowledge, and research methodologies from both the subject discipline and education research. This interdisciplinary approach allows them to develop theories and models that are specific to the discipline, providing a deeper understanding of how people learn within that field. DBER findings are often more generalizable and contribute to broader understandings of how people learn across disciplines.
While both SoTL and DBER focus on improving teaching and learning, they differ in scope and focus. SoTL research emphasizes context-specific practices and outcomes, while DBER research aims for a deeper understanding of teaching and learning within a specific discipline. Both fields play a crucial role in advancing higher education by generating evidence-based knowledge and improving instructional practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a vital field that has made significant contributions to improving undergraduate education, particularly in STEM disciplines. By combining disciplinary perspectives with educational research methodologies, DBER has led to meaningful enhancements in teaching and learning. Through evidence-based practices, DBER has improved student outcomes, increased engagement, and fostered the development of effective instructional strategies.
The formation of the STEM DBER Alliance (DBER-A) has further advanced collaboration and interdisciplinary work among DBER researchers. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, DBER-A aims to address complex societal challenges and enhance STEM education. The alliance provides valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and recognition at both individual and community levels.
Overall, DBER continues to be a valuable field of study with the potential to further improve undergraduate education. Its impact on student success and the development of evidence-based teaching practices is undeniable. As we move forward, DBER and DBER-A will play essential roles in advancing STEM education, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing the evolving needs of our society.
FAQ
What is discipline-based education research (DBER)?
DBER is research that investigates learning and teaching within a specific discipline, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It focuses on using evidence-based knowledge and practices to improve teaching and learning in these disciplines.
How does DBER contribute to undergraduate education in STEM disciplines?
DBER has led to improvements in student learning outcomes, increased student engagement and participation, and enhanced teaching practices. By focusing on evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, DBER helps educators implement effective instructional methods and develop disciplinary-specific resources, curriculum, and assessments.
What is the STEM DBER Alliance?
The STEM DBER Alliance is a community that promotes collaboration and interdisciplinary work among DBER researchers. It brings together researchers from different STEM disciplines to share strategies, methodologies, and results. The Alliance facilitates cross-disciplinary interactions, conferences, and workshops to foster new collaborations.
What value does the STEM DBER Alliance offer?
The STEM DBER Alliance provides opportunities for networking, collaborations, and recognition for individual DBER researchers. It also creates a common voice for advocacy, supports community-wide capacity development, and enhances the status of individual DBER fields. At the broader society level, it contributes to improving STEM education, science literacy, workforce development, and addressing societal challenges.
What is the difference between Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and DBER?
SoTL research explores effective teaching practices and student learning within individual courses or instructional contexts. It provides evidence for specific teaching practices and may use a variety of research methods. DBER research goes beyond individual courses and aims to construct models and test theories of teaching and learning in specific disciplines. DBER findings are often more generalizable and contribute to broader understandings of how people learn within a discipline.
What role does DBER play in education research?
DBER integrates disciplinary perspectives, content knowledge, and research methodologies from both a specific discipline and education research. It contributes to the development of theories and models of teaching and learning that are specific to the discipline. DBER research provides insights into effective instructional practices in STEM disciplines and advances the field of education research.
