IMPROVING GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION THROUGH ONLINE TRAINING WITH ENHANCED OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Between 2014 and 2019 the American Geosciences Institute has offered an online Earth Science training program designed to address multiple teacher needs. Specifically addressed are deficiencies in the content knowledge, understandings of the systems approach, the use of video resources in the classroom, experiences in using lab exercises, and the confidence to find and use geoscience resources online. In 2019 we shifted from a national model to focus on Texas and New Mexico through financial support from the AAPG Foundation, AAPG SW Section, and ten local geological societies. Their educational outreach funding has provided an opportunity for 20 teachers from Texas/New Mexico to participate. Key components of the course include discussions, video lectures, application exercises, demonstration videos, readings, and multimedia resources from reliable sources. Application data and anecdotal evidence highlight concerning trends among teachers facing a career in teaching Earth science, with perspectives from teachers with an earth science background and those without. Our results show positive and consistent gains in knowledge, based on pre- and post-course testing across multiple content topics and strands. Results indicate that with 5-7.5 hours work per week during the 14-week course, teachers graduated with a far greater confidence in their ability to teach in both previously familiar and unfamiliar content areas, and in their ability to consult other teachers on particular topics. This data shows the positive impact of small, online, synchronous group teaching in terms of teachers’ development of content knowledge, resource discovery and usage, classroom applications, and the confidence to implement them. Given the challenges facing the Earth Science teacher population, the effectiveness of straightforward online teaching should neither be overlooked, understated, or under-supported. The success of the current regional approach that engages multiple educational outreach units from within local geological societies indicates that support is available for teachers from these sources. In fact, local societies have been eager to participate through an organized outreach effort, with a recognized partner who has demonstrated several years of successful Earth Science Education for K-12 teachers.