Teachers' participation in research programs improves their students' achievement in science

Samuel C. Silverstein, Jay Dubner, Jon Miller, Sherry Glied, John D. Loike

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Research experience programs engage teachers in the hands-on practice of science. Program advocates assert that program participation enhances teachers' skills in communicating science to students. We measured the impact of New York City public high-school science teachers' participation in Columbia University's Summer Research Program on their students' academic performance in science. In the year before program entry, students of participating and nonparticipating teachers passed a New York State Regents science examination at the same rate. In years three and four after program entry, participating teachers' students passed Regents science exams at a rate that was 10.1% higher (P = 0.049) than that of nonparticipating teachers' students. Other program benefits include decreased teacher attrition from classroom teaching and school cost savings of U.S. $1.14 per $1 invested in the program.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)440-442
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume326
Issue number5951
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 16 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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