GAIL R. LUERA
Assistant Professor
School of Education
University of Michigan-Dearborn
(313) 593-3762
grl@umich.edu
Education
Ph.D. - University of Michigan; School of Natural Resources and Environment: Resource Policy and Behavior (Environmental Education)
Credential - California State University, Long Beach (Multiple Subjects Elementary Teaching Credential)
M.S. Degree - Northern Illinois University (Education: Outdoor Teacher Education)
B.A. Degree - California State University, Dominguez Hills (English)
Professional Employment
1998- present University of Michigan-Dearborn (assistant professor)
1994-1998 Eastern Michigan University (lecturer)
1991-1999 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (research assistant, graduate instructor)
1980-1989 Orange County (CA) Department of Education (acting principal, Orange County Outdoor Science School)
Higher Education Instructional Experience
Science Education
Science for Elementary Teachers, Science Methods for Elementary and Middle School Teachers, Biology for Elementary Teachers, Learning By Inquiry: Life Science, Science Capstone
Environmental Education
Environmental Education, Environmental Interpretation
Educational Technology
Educational Technology for Elementary Teachers, Teaching for Technology, Basic Technology Skills, Using the Internet, Multimedia
Grants Awarded
2004-2005 “Partnership for Articulated Mathematics and Science Teacher Preparation Advanced Technological Education program, $75,000. (Co-Principal Investigator)
2001-2005 "Michigan Teachers' Technology Education Network (MITTEN)." U.S. Department of Education, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers To Use Technology Grant Program, $898,888. (Science education and technology resource member)
2000-2004 "Integrating Science and Sustaining Professional Development in Elementary Science Education Through a Capstone Course Connecting Pre- and In-Service Teachers." U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education, $349,422. (Project Director)
2000-2001 "Collaborative for Improving and Diffusing Inquiry-based Science Courses for Future Elementary Teachers." Eisenhower Higher Education grant through the Michigan Department of Education, $50,353. (Faculty participant)
2000-2001 "The Dearborn and Detroit Local Alliance in Science and Mathematics for Urban Schools." Eisenhower Higher Education grant through the Michigan Department of Education, $65,450. (Faculty Participant)
2000 "Children's Understanding of Mapping and Representational Skill Development through Landscaping." The money for this project was received from UM-D Campus Research Grants, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Amount received: $500. (Co-Principal Investigator)
Publications
Books
Frank, J., Luera, G. & Stapp, W. (1996). Air Pollution: Ozone Study and Action. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishers.
Luera, G. (1993). Methods of teaching environmental values: Appendix A. In O. Clymire (Ed.), A Child's Place in the Environment. Sacramento, California: California State Department of Education.
Luera, G. (1993). Teaching about controversial issues: Appendix C. In O. Clymire (Ed.), A Child's Place in the Environment. Sacramento, California: California State Department of Education.
Mitchell, M., et al. (1990). Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring: An Environmental Education Program for Schools (fourth edition). Dexter, Michigan: Thompson-Shore Printers.
Luera, G., Martus, M., Sebring, R. & Schuett, G. (1985). Directory of Residential Outdoor/Environmental Education Programs in California. Sacramento, California: California State Department of Education.
Peer-Reviewed Journals
Duran, M., Fossum, P. & Luera, G. (in press). Technology and pedagogical renewal: conceptualizing technology integration into teacher preparation. Computers in the Schools.
Luera, G.R., Otto, C.A. & Zitzewitz, P. W. (2006). "Use of Thermal Concept Evaluation to Focus Instruction" The Physics Teacher, 42(3)162-166.
Luera, G.R. & Otto, C.A. (2005). "Development and Evaluation of an Inquiry-based Elementary Science Teacher Education Program Reflecting Current Reform Movements." Journal of Science Teacher Education 16(3), 241-258.
Luera, G., Moyer, R. & Everett, S. (2005). What type and level of science content knowledge of elementary education students affect their ability to construct an inquiry-based science lesson? Journal of Elementary Science Education. 17(1), 12-25.
Everett, S. A., Luera, G. R. & Otto, C. A. (2005). “Linking Research to Practice: Examining a Pre-service Elementary Teachers' Practicum Experience" Michigan Association of Teacher Educators Journal3 (1), 18-22.
Luera, G., Otto, C. & Zitzewitz, P. (2005). A conceptual change approach to teaching energy and thermodynamics to pre-service elementary teachers. Journal of Physics Teacher Education Online. 2(4), 3-8.
Burke, C., Luera, G. & Moyer, R. (2005). Preparing pre-service elementary school teachers to teach science: An evaluation of the development and implementation of a reformed program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Michigan Association of Teacher Educators Journal 1(2).
Everett, S. A. & Luera, G. R. (2005). “Using Unifying Themes in a Science Capstone Course for Elementary Education Majors" Michigan Association of Teacher Educators Journal 2(2), 1-7.
Luera, G., Killu, K. & Hagen, J. (2003). Linking math, science, and inquiry-based learning: An example from a mini-unit on volume. School Science and Mathematics. 103(4), 194-207.
Luera, G. & Hong, S. (2002). A collaborative long-term project: Early childhood education, environmental education and landscape architecture. Canadian Children, 28(1), 9-15.
Luera, G. & Lenze, J. (2000). Curriculum software evaluation and recommendations: Teach with databases: Toxics release inventory. [Review of the software: Teach with Databases: Toxics Release Inventory]. Journal of Environmental Education, 31(4), 54.
Selected Conference Papers
2006 “Pre-Service Elementary Teachers Bridge the Gap Between Research and Practice" National Association for Research in Science Teaching, San Francisco, CA. (with Susan A. Everett and Charlotte A. Otto).
2005 "Unifying Themes as a Basis for Building a Science Capstone Course" The Association for Science Teacher Education, Colorado Springs, CO. (with Susan A. Everett).
2004 "Preparing Elementary Education Teachers To Teach Science In Diverse Environments" International Conference of the Learning Sciences, Santa Monica, CA. (with Charlotte A. Otto).
2003 "Preparing Pre-service Elementary School Teachers to Teach Science: A Report on the Development and Evaluation of the Elementary Science Education Program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn" Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference, Jacksonville, FL. (with Richard H. Moyer and Christopher Burke).
Selected Presentations and Workshops
2005 "Preservice Teachers Use of Unifying Themes in Science" National Association for research in Science Teaching, Dallas, TX (with Susan A. Everett).
2004 "Factors Affecting The Efficacy Towards Science In Pre-service Elementary Teachers" American Psychological Association Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI.
2003 "Comprehensive Approach to the Evaluation of an Inquiry-Based Science Education Program" Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI. (with Richard H. Moyer and Judy Nesmith).
2003 "A Capstone Course That Integrates Scientific "Big Ideas" and Prepares Elementary Education Students to Engage in Action Research" Association for Educators of Teachers of Science International Conference, Pre-conference workshop, St. Louis, MO. (with Christopher Burke and Judy Nesmith).
2003 "Preparing Pre-service Elementary School Teachers to Teach Science: A Report on the Development and Evaluation of the Elementary Science Education Program at a Midwestern, Urban University" 84th Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA. (with Christopher Burke).
2002 "Learning By Inquiry Faculty Workshops" UM-D Eisenhower grant sponsored two-day workshop for faculty interested in teaching the new Natural Sciences courses for elementary education students at UM-D, HFCC and other local community colleges. (Richard H. Moyer, Principal Investigator).
2002 "Integrating Action Research Into Teacher Education: Two Case Studies" Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education Grant Project Director's Meeting (invited).
2002 "Action Research in an Energy-focused Capstone Course for Pre-service Teachers" American Association of Physics Teachers, Annual Conference, Boise, ID. (with Paul Zitzewitz).
2002 "Inquiry-based Instruction Across the Sciences for Future Elementary Teachers" American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Conference, Boise, ID. (with Paul Zitzewitz).
2002 "Just-in-Time Teaching in a Science Capstone Course for Pre-service Teachers" American Association of Physics Teachers Annual Conference, Boise, ID. (with Paul Zitzewitz).
2001 "MiTTEN Capacity Building Workshops" Created and taught four workshops for participants in the MiTTEN project; "Using the Internet in your Classroom: Session I- E-mail, mailing lists and the World Wide Web", "Using the Internet in your Classroom: Session II- Home Page Design", "Multimedia in the Classroom: Session I- Educational Software", "Multimedia in the Classroom: Session II- HyperStudio."
2001 "New Initiatives in Science Education at the University of Michigan - Dearborn" Pathways to Change International Conference on Transforming Math and Science Education in the K16 Continuum, Arlington, VA. (with Charlotte A. Otto).
2001 "Nineteenth Annual Community College Conference" University of Michigan-Dearborn.
2001 "Department of Natural Sciences Ninth Annual Poster Session" Assisted two elementary education students in development of a poster presentation about the new Natural Sciences courses for elementary education students.
2001 "Environmental Interpretive Center Grand Opening" Described educational use of EIC classrooms (specifically for the new Natural Sciences courses for elementary education students).
2001 "An Overview of the Elementary Science Education Program at the University of Michigan - Dearborn", and the "Science Education Electronic Portfolio" UM-D Eisenhower grant sponsored two-day Learning By Inquiry Faculty workshop, Dearborn, MI. (Richard H. Moyer, Principal Investigator).
2001 "The Art and Science of Interpretation" invited presentation to the Docents at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, MI.
2001 "Developing Inquiry-Based K-12 Science Educators At the University of Michigan-Dearborn" (invited), The Ohio Project to Enhance Undergraduate Science Education, Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, OH
2001 "Preparing The Elementary Teachers of Tomorrow: The Development of an Inquiry-based Science Education Program" (invited), Michigan Association of Colleges of Teacher Education Poster Session, Lansing, MI. (with Richard. H. Moyer).
2000 “Chancellor's Inaugural Event" Created PowerPoint presentation that was part of the FIPSE grant project presentation, University of Michigan-Dearborn.
1999 “Project WET (Water Education for Teacher's) Workshop" for UM-D students.
1999 "Authors Specialists and Knowledge" teleconference with environmental education students, the students in Dr. Kettel's children's literature courses and a sixth grade classroom from Wayne County.
1999 "The Pedagogy of Inquiry" National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference, Detroit, MI. (with Richard. H. Moyer and Jay Hackett).
1999 "Applying the Learning Cycle to Environmental Education" North American Association for Environmental Education, annual conference, Cincinnati, OH.
1999 "Bring Your Child To Work Day" science workshops at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
1998 "Environmental Education Program Evaluation That Listens To Those Involved" North American Association for Environmental Education, annual conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
1998 "Assessing and Addressing Misconceptions of Vertebrate Animals Using Cognitive Map Theory" Biology Department (invited), Eastern Michigan University.
1997 "Concept Mapping: An Interactive Strategy for Instruction and Assessment" (workshop) Faculty Center for Instructional Excellence, Eastern Michigan University (invited).
1996 "Assessing and Addressing Conceptions of Vertebrate Animals: An Example of the Efficacy and Effectiveness of Using Cognitive Map Theory as a Basis for Designing and Implementing Educational Interventions" Association for Integrated Studies Conference, Ypsilanti, MI.
1995 "Aquatic Project WILD" (workshop) Washtenaw Intermediate School District Teacher Inservice, Ann Arbor, MI.
Instructional Materials and Program Development
Science Electronic Portfolio (assisted in the design and implementation of an electronic portfolio which is completed by every elementary education student at UM-D. Available at www.umd.umich.edu/sep. Currently responsible for the maintenance and updating of the website.
Reformed Elementary Science Education Database As part of the FIPSE grant in 2000, I established and now sustain a database with various measures of our elementary education students science knowledge, efficacy towards science teaching and behavioral measures. The S.P.S.S. database currently includes nearly 1000 former and current students pre and post program responses. I supervise research assistants who score and enter the data.
Electronic Library of Scientific Misconception Research This library was also created as part of the FIPSE grant in 2000 and now consists of over 300 research articles that focus on misconceptions relating to a scientific unifying theme. All articles are from peer-reviewed journals and are accessible to students in the Science Capstone course for their action research project literature review. A sample is available at www.soe.umd.umich.edu/grl/model_research/
Technical/Academic Reports
FIPSE Comprehensive Grant Final Report, Office of Post-Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
"A Research-Driven Approach to the Design and Implementation of Educational Interventions" with Diane Austin. (Unpublished), 1997.
Consulting
2005-present Journal of Environmental Education Research (reviewer)
2002-present Journal of Research in Science Teaching (reviewer).
2004-2005 Worked with local science teachers as part of the UM-D "Geosciences Institute for Education and Research
2004 New faculty Orientation, discussion on faculty mentoring UM-D.
2003 Met with representatives from Phi Theta Kappa (the International Honor Society of the Two-Year Colleges) who were here to learn about our science education. program and how it interfaces with the courses offered at HFCC
2002 Presentation about the FIPSE grant to the UM Regents at May meeting.
2002 Provost Roundtable presentation on revised science content courses for the elementary education students (invited)
2002 UM-AA Matthaei Botanical Gardens Docent Workshop "Techniques for Effective Environmental Interpretation."
2002 Made invited presentation to University of Illinois-Chicago Community College Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation. Title of the presentation was "Inquiry-based instruction across the sciences for future elementary teachers". I spent the rest of the day meeting with UIC faculty who were interested in adapting our “Learning By Inquiry" science courses into their general education curriculum for all students at UIC. Also assisted UIC science and education faculty with the preparation of an NSF CCLI grant proposal that would fund them to adapt our courses.
2002 Discover Dearborn 2002 session for prospective students and their parents.
2002 Advised the Michigan Association for Environmental Education board members about ways to integrate environmental education into the teacher certification process at colleges and universities.
2001 Completed the Periodic Review for seven science specialty area programs
2000-2001 Reviewed environmental science certification programs as part of the MI Department of Education Periodic Review in Specialty Areas.
2000 Troy School District, Troy, MI Led workshops on alternative assessments and how to effectively use inquiry-based commercial science kits.
2000 Consulted with the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority relating to development of interpretive programs at the MetroParks.
1999-2000 Child Development Landscaping Project. Oriented teachers and interns to the project, recruiting Landscape Architects and other professionals to assist with project and solicitation of donated plants and other landscaping materials.
1999-2000 Community High School Dearborn, MI (resource for nearby charter school which has an environmental focus).
1999 Nowlin Elementary School Dearborn, MI (resource for environmentally themed school).
1999 Resource expert for National Project WILD evaluation.
Professional Membership
National Association for Research in Science Teaching
Association for Science Teacher Education
National Science Teachers Association
Society for College Science Teachers
Michihgan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education
National Association for Interpretation
Current University Professional Committees
UM Faculty Senate Member
UM-D Doctorate in Education Committee (member)
UM-D Distinguished Teaching Awards Committee (member)
Environmental Interpretive Center Advisory Council (member)
Environmental Program Committee (member)
UM-D Meeting of Minds Committee (member)
Henry Ford Community College Pre-education Advisory Committee (member)
UM-D COATT representative and contact person
Science Curriculum Restructuring Committee (member)
UM-D Project Kaleidoscope Faculty for the 21st Century Network (member)
UM-D Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty (member)
Professional Development
2006 National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
2005 Center for Statistical Consultation and Research workshop, "Applications of Hierarchical Linear Models",? UM Ann Arbor, MI.
2005 National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference, Dallas, TX.
2005 The Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Conference, Colorado Springs, CO.
2005 PhysTEC Conference, "Building a Coalition: A Conference on the Preparation of Physics and Physical Science Teachers", Muncie, IN
2004 Center for Statistical Consultation and Research workshop, "Determining Sufficient Sample Size", UM Ann Arbor, MI.
2004 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Annual Meeting, Chicago, Ill.
2002 FIPSE Project Director's Meeting Arlington, VA
2003 Hawaii International Conference on Education Honolulu, HI
2003 Association for Educators of Teachers of Science International Conference, St. Louis, MO.
2003 Association of Teacher Educators, Jacksonville, FL. February 15-17.
2003 Center for Statistical Consultation and Research workshop, "Regression Analysis", UM Ann Arbor, MI.
2002 Pathways to Change 2002: An International Conference on Transforming Math and Science Education in the K16 Continuum, Arlington, VA.
2001 American Association for Higher Education Summer Institute Breckenridge, Colorado. At this workshop the science team from UM-D created the SOE master's program in science education.
2001 National Association for Research in Science Education Annual Conference, New Orleans.
2001 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Annual Project Directors Meeting, San Diego, CA.
2001 American Association for Higher Education Summer Institute Breckenridge, Colorado. At this workshop the science team from UM-D will be created the SOE master's program in science education.
2001 Summer Institute In Survey Research Techniques "Introduction to Statistical Research Design Course" UM Ann Arbor.
2001 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Technology Workshops (Flash, PhotoShop, and Organizing and Mapping Your Website workshops) Ann Arbor, MI.
2001 National Association for Research in Science Education Annual Conference St. Louis, MO.
2000 Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) F21 National Assembly Tucson, AZ.
2000 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Annual Project Directors Meeting, San Diego, CA.
1999 National Science Teachers Association conference, Boston, MA.
1999 American Association for Higher Education Summer Institute Snowmass, CO.
1999 Michigan State University Math and Science Seminars, Michigan State University, MI.
1999 North American Association for Environmental Education Annual Conference, Cincinnati, OH.
1999 Michigan Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Annual Conference Shelby, MI.
1999 National Science Teachers Association Regional Workshop, Detroit, MI.
1999 Council for Undergraduate Research Workshop, LaCross, WI.
1999 Frontpage 2000 Update On-line Workshop, Vanderbilt University, TN.
1999 Improving America's Schools Regional Conference, Chicago, IL.
