Improving Inductive Reasoning Skills in Polymer Science Through Open Virtual Experiment Simulator Education Tools

该项目旨在通过开发新颖，动态，基于证据的“开放式虚拟实验模拟器教育工具”（OVESET）和研究支持材料，提高本科聚合物科学学生的归纳推理技能，从而为国家利益服务。归纳推理是高分子科学学习成功的关键。该项目将提供免费的，互动的，最先进的学习工具和教学材料，从而解除许多学生在科学，技术，工程和数学（STEM）进步时遇到的主要障碍。具体来说，OVESET将允许学生仅使用Web浏览器在几秒钟内生成实验结果。教师将受益于OVESET和高质量的循证教学材料。本项目开发的产品旨在加强学生的元认知，增加学生感知的课堂公平气氛，并提高STEM保留率。具体而言，本项目旨在1）针对美国化学学会（ACS）推荐的本科高分子科学教育的每个主题开发OVESET的代码和结构，2）基于研究支持的教学法创建OVESET辅助材料，3）在本科高分子科学课程中实施OVESET和辅助材料并评估其有效性，（4）采用准实验和实验设计，研究OVESET对学生归纳推理和元认知的影响。对该项目的系统评估将产生关于OVESET是否能提高学生成绩、STEM保留率和感知课堂公平的知识。研究将产生有关OVESET工作的特定条件的知识，例如OVESET等交互式虚拟模拟器如何影响学生的自我效能感、成长心态、STEM归属感和学术动机。NSF IUSE：EHR计划支持研究和开发项目，以提高所有学生STEM教育的有效性。 该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to serve the national interest by improving inductive reasoning skills of undergraduate polymer science students through developing novel, dynamic, evidence-based "open virtual experiment simulator education tools" (OVESET) and research-supported materials. Inductive reasoning is the key to success in polymer science learning. This project will offer free, interactive, state-of-the-art learning tools and instructional materials, thus lifting major barriers many students experience when advancing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Specifically, OVESET will allow students to generate experimental results in seconds using only a web browser. Instructors will benefit from both OVESET and the high-quality, evidence-based instructional materials. The products developed in this project will be designed to strengthen students' metacognition, increase students' perceived classroom equity climate, and improve STEM retention. Specifically, this project aims to 1) develop the codes and structure of OVESET for each topic recommended by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for undergraduate polymer science education, 2) create OVESET ancillary materials based on research-supported pedagogy, 3) implement OVESET and ancillary materials in undergraduate polymer science courses and evaluate their effectiveness, and 4) conduct research to understand in what ways OVESET changes students' inductive reasoning and meta-cognition using both quasi-experimental and experimental designs. Systematic evaluation of the project will generate knowledge on whether OVESET advances students' outcomes, STEM retention, and perceived classroom equity. Research studies will generate knowledge on the specific conditions in which OVESET works, such as how interactive virtual simulators like OVESET may impact students' self-efficacy, growth mindset, sense of belonging in STEM, and academic motivation. The NSF IUSE:EHR Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.