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RA opportunity: Evaluation of Cross-Cultural (Indigenous and Western) Learning Opportunities in a Science Course for Pre-Service Teachers

July 17, 2019

Online posting can be found: http://www.sfu.ca/istld/researchassistants/raopportunities/RA315.html

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Research Assistant Opportunity:

Evaluation of Cross-Cultural (Indigenous and Western) Learning Opportunities in a Science Course for Pre-Service Teachers

Simon Fraser University’s Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines invites applications for a Research Assistant appointment for the Cross-Cultural Learning Opportunities Evaluation Project in a Science course for Pre-Service Teachers to begin August 1st 2019 or earlier.

One of the major elements of the new K-12 science curriculum is a focus on Indigenous knowledge alongside western science. Based on an awareness building process followed if possible by an example module where we introduce Western and Indigenous knowledge alongside each other, we would like to evaluate a) what students understand about Indigenous ways of knowing and how it compares with Western science, b) how students perspectives on this evolve and c) whether they feel confident to introduce Indigenous ways of knowing and cross-cultural discussions in future classrooms. Link to project: http://www.sfu.ca/istld/faculty/grant-programs/projects/science/G0315.html

Research assistant responsibilities include:

  • Generating a literature review of cross-cultural science education and learning, and indigenous ways of knowing compared with western science;
  • Generating ideas for sample cross-cultural learning modules within the course content;
  • Attending classes where cross-cultural discussions and sample modules are taking place;
  • Observing and taking field notes during the class discussions around cross-cultural learning and sample module;
  • Developing and administering Post-Pre questionnaire and End-of-course questionnaire;
  • Interviewing instructor team;
  • Analysing the reflections and questionnaire data;
  • Preparing and reporting project findings; and
  • Attending regular meetings with project leads.

Required qualifications and skills:

  • Currently enrolled in a graduate or upper level undergraduate program at SFU;
  • Ability to undertake a comprehensive literature review;
  • Experience with questionnaire and reflection tool design;
  • Experience conducting interviews;
  • Experience with qualitative data analysis (including implement meaningful analyses, appropriate statistical treatment, and effectively communicate the work to a non-data-science audience);
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including strong written and oral communication skills; and
  • Excellent and demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Experience and skills that would be an asset:

  • An interest in evidence-based teaching and learning, and education in the sciences.

Rate of pay: $20-$26 (including vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits) – based on experience, qualifications and degree program.

Total appointment hours: Up to 150 hours (Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters). Additional hours may be available.

To Apply: Applicants should submit: (1) a 1-page cover letter structured to address the qualifications, skills, and role responsibilities as listed above, and (2) a 1-2 page resumé. These two items should be organized as one PDF attachment and addressed to Eileen van der Flier-Keller, and emailed to evanderf@sfu.ca.

Note: References will only be requested from short-listed applicants.

Application deadline: August 2nd 2019 We appreciate all replies to this position posting, however, we will only contact short-listed applicants.