Dr. Kimberly (Linenberger) Cortes

RESEARCH FOCUS

Chemistry is a contextually based discipline that requires a multitude of knowledge; this knowledge stems from a basic understanding of chemistry content and the means for which it can be applied. So too is the discipline of chemistry education research. Therefore, my research investigates inquiries from both the basic and applied research perspectives in order to connect the areas of chemistry education research with the practice of teaching chemistry. In order to help inform practice, it is important to first know how and what students learn in chemistry along with what the chemistry community believes students should learn. This basic research will then be examined utilizing the best theoretical and methodological research practices from the fields of chemistry, education and psychology, creating a foundation to develop sound research-based curriculum materials that can be implemented in chemistry courses across the country.

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