The research training program in Science and Mathematics Education and Communication (SMEC) provides training within the key areas researched at the Centre of Science and Mathematics Education (NAMADI). The goal of the SMEC program is to cover the entire spectrum of competences, knowledge and skills required to undertake research, development and teaching assignment in the field of Science and Mathematics Education and Communication, and to contribute meaningfully to the development of this field. The SMEC program aims at understanding the practices of learning, teaching and communication of mathematics and science through researching the practices.
PhD students in the SMEC program will be provided teaching and research opportunities relevant to their area of interest. There are five main research areas with the SMEC program:
• Interest and motivation
• Design and implementation of interdisciplinary curricula from primary to tertiary education
• Teacher education and professional learning
• Relations between formal and informal learning settings
• Transformation of scientific information into accessible understandable knowledge for the public
The SMEC program offers Ph.D. courses, seminars, workshops and guest lectures by national and international scientists within science and mathematics education and communication. An important aim of the SMEC program is to facilitate networking with master students, PhD students and scientist from universities and university colleges in the region of Southern Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein. Networking occurs through common seminars, workshops and courses and visits by national and international scientists. The practice aspect of the SMEC program is supported by cooperation with schools, museums and science centers in the region of Southern Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein.
The SMEC program is headed by Associate Professor Claus Michelsen, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The individual doctoral project is harmonized within the PhD School at the Faculty of Science according to the rules currently in force. The SMEC ccourses are designed to prepare candidates for all aspects of the research process, including development and design of research proposals, implementation of a research agenda, and dissemination of findings.
The SMEC program offers two PhD-courses:
PhD Seminar on Mathematics and Science Education (4 ECTS)
PhD Seminar on Mathematics and Science Communication (4 ECTS)