THE QUANTUM FOR ALL PROJECT: TEACHER CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE
The University of Texas at Arlington (UNITED STATES)
About this paper:
Conference name: 16th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 1-3 July, 2024
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
Quantum information science (QIS) is critical to the future of economic and national security, commerce, and technology). There is a broad need to develop a "quantum smart" workforce with some on critical topics, such as quantum concepts that are relevant to everyday experiences in information security, smart phones, computers, and other widely used technology. The Quantum for All project, funded by the US National Science Foundation, provides opportunities for students to learn about various aspects of quantum science by providing professional development for STEM educators to learn and practice QIS. We utilize a trainer of trainer approach. In this paper we will discuss the content areas and provide an outline of the professional development model. We will also examine growth in teacher content knowledge and their confidence in that content knowledge. Our preliminary results are that the workshops are effective in raising both metrics as measured by pre- and post-surveys, however, there are differences between the content areas. We will examine these differences and provide possible reasons for the results.Keywords:
Quantum, STEM, Teacher Professional Development.