Profile: Eugenia Etkina

Professor

Faculty

Dr. Eugenia Etkina has 30 years of teaching experience in physics and astronomy instruction at middle school, high school and university levels. She earned her Ph.D. in physics education from Moscow State Pedagogical University. In 1995-1997 she taught physics courses for students at-risk at Rutgers university, for which she together with Dr. Horton developed a highly successful approach. In 1997, she was appointed an assistant professor at the GSE, became an associate professor in 2003 and a Full professor in 2010.  She created a unique program of physics teacher preparation in which prospective teachers enroll in five teaching methods courses mastering the art and science of teaching physics. She also created an Investigative Science Learning Environment (with A. Van Heuvelen) - a comprehensive inquiry-based physics learning system that engages students in experiences similar to that of practicing physicists who construct and apply knowledge. She also developed a new approach to helping students acquire scientific abilities. Eugenia teaches all physics teaching methods courses in the physics teacher preparation program and Ed.M. program, and conducts professional development program for in-service science teachers. She co-directs the Rutgers Astrophysics Institute that started in 1997. Other methods developed by Dr. Etkina and used by university and high school physics instructors include teaching mechanics on roller blades and reflective Weekly Reports. Her main research interest is in the cognitive and epistemological aspects of learning physics, acquisition and transfer of scientific abilities and the process of constructing physics teacher PCK. Her doctoral students earn Ed.Ds in Science Education in the GSE and in Physics Education Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

 

Professional Affiliations:

  • Departments

    Department of Learning & Teaching

  • Associated Programs

    Physics ad Astronomy

  • Courses Taught

     

    Extended General Physics

    Science in the Elementary School

    Physics in the Elementary School (new)

    Basics of Teaching Physics (new)

    Research Methods in Astrophysics (new)

    Research and Instructional Methods in Astrophysics (new)

    Summer Research Internship for Science Interns (new)

    Teaching Physical Sciences (new)

    Development of Ides in Physical Science (new)

    Multiple Representations in Physical Science (new)

    Teaching internship seminar

  • Education

    Ph.D., Moscow State Pedagogical University

  • Publications

     

    Articles in Refereed Journals

    Brookes, D. T., Etkina, E. (2010) Physical Phenomena in Real Time, Science, 330, 605-606.

    Etkina, E. (2010). Pedagogical content knowledge and preparation of high school physics teachers. Physical Review Special Topics Physics Education Research, 6, 020110.

    Etkina, E., Karelina, A., Ruibal-Villasenor, M., Jordan, R., Rosengrant, D., & Hmelo-Silver, C. (2010). Design and reflection help students develop scientific abilities: Learning in introductory physics laboratories, Journal of the Learning Sciences, 19, 1, 54-98.

    Brookes, D. & Etkina, E. (2009). Force, ontology and language. Physical Review, Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 5, 010110.

    Etkina, E., Karelina, A., Murthy, S., & Ruibal-Villasenor, M. (2009). Using action research to improve learning and formative assessment to conduct research. Physical Review. Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 5, 010109.

    Rosengrant, D., Van Heuvelen, A., & Etkina, E. (2009). Do students use and understand free body diagrams? Physical Review, Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 5, 010108.

    Etkina, E., Karelina, A., & Ruibal-Villasenor, M. (2008). How long does it take? A study of student acquisition of scientific abilities. Physical Review, Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 4, 020108.

    Goodman, R. & Etkina, E. (2008). Squaring the Circle: A mathematically rigorous Physics First. The Physics Teacher, 46 (4), 222-229.

    Monet, J. & Etkina, E. (2008). Fostering self-reflection and meaningful learning: Earth science professional development for middle school science teachers. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 19, 455-475.

    Karelina, A. & Etkina, E. (2007). Acting like a physicist: Student approach study to experimental design. Physical Review, Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 3, 020106.

    Brookes, D. T. & Etkina, E. (2007). Using conceptual metaphor and functional grammar to explore how language used in physics affects student learning. Physical Review, Special Topics, Physics Education Research, 3, 010105.

    Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., White-Brahmia, S., Brookes, D.T., Gentile, M., Murthy, S. Rosengrant, D., & Warren, A. (2006) Developing and assessing student scientific abilities. Physical Review. Special Topics, Physics Education Research. 2, 020103.

    Etkina, E., Murthy, S., & Zou, X. (2006). Using introductory labs to engage students in experimental design. American Journal of Physics. 74, 979-982.

    Etkina, E. (2005). Physics teacher preparation: Dreams and reality. Journal of Physics Teacher Education Online, 3(2), 3-9.

    Etkina, E., Warren, A., & Gentile, M. (2005). The role of models in physics instruction. The Physics Teacher, 44 (1), 34-39.

    Etkina, E., Matilsky, T., & Lawrence, M. (2003). What can we learn from pushing to the edge? Rutgers Astrophysics Institute motivates talented high school students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40 (10), 958-985.

    Harper, K., Etkina, E., & Lin, Y. (2003). Encouraging and analyzing student questions in a large physics course: Meaningful patterns for instructors. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40 (8), 776-791.

    May, D. & Etkina, E. (2002). College physics students' epistemological self-reflection and its relationship to conceptual learning. American Journal of Physics, 70 (12), 1249-1258.

    Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Brookes, D. & Mills, D. (2002). Role of experiments in physics instruction – A process approach. The Physics Teacher, 40 (6), 351-355.

    Etkina, E. & Andre, K. (2002). Weekly Reports: Student reflections on learning. Journal of College Science Teaching, 31 (7), 476-480.

    Brahmia, S. & Etkina, E. (2001). Switching students on to science: An innovative course design for physics students. Journal of College Science Teaching, 31 (3), 183-188.

    Etkina, E. (2000). Helping graduate assistants teach physics: Problems and solutions. Journal of Graduate Teaching Assistant Development, 7(3), 123-137.

    Etkina, E. (2000). How Russian physics teachers are prepared. The Physics Teacher, 38 (10), 3-4.

    Etkina, E. (2000). Weekly Reports: A two-way feedback tool. Science Education 84, 594-605.

    Etkina, E. & Ehrenfeld, D. (2000). Helping ecology students to read: The use of reading reports. BioScience, 50 (7), 602-608.

    Etkina, E. & G. K. Horton (2000). The minilab as a tool in physics instruction. The Physics Teacher, 38 (3), 136-139.

    Etkina, E., Lawrence, M., & Charney, J. (1999). Introducing astrophysics research to high school students. Physics Education, 34 (5), 300-305.

    Etkina, E., Gibbons, K., Holton, B., & Horton, G. (1999). Lessons learned: A case study of an integrated way of teaching introductory physics to at-risk students at Rutgers University. American Journal of Physics, 67 (9), 810-818.

    Etkina, E. (1999). How to help postgrads to teach. Physics World, 12 (8), 15-16.

    Paik, S. & Etkina, E. (1999). The analysis of teacher evaluation systems in Russian Federation, United States and Republic of Korea. Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education Society, 18 (1), 1-18.

    Etkina, E., Holton, B, & Horton, G. (1998). Planar motion, complex numbers, and falling leaves: An intriguing minilab. The Physics Teacher, March, 36, 135 - 138.

    Etkina E. (1998). Physics on rollerblades. The Physics Teacher, January, 36, 24-27.

    Sharonova, N. V. & Etkina, E. V. (1996). Quantum-wave duality or quantum and wave properties of light. September 1, Physics: 47, 16.

    Glass L.W. & Etkina, E. (1995). Scilink: An International Experiment, Science Education International, March, 61, 22-24.

    Etkina, E.V. & Sharonova, N.V. (1995). How to improve physics lessons, September 1, Physics: 29, pp. 1-6; 30, pp 2-4, 31, pp 6-7. (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. & Sharonova, N.V. (1993). How to teach physics effectively, September 1, Physics: 7-8, pp 7- 8 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E. V. (1993). How to develop creative thinking in physics education, September 1, Physics: 17, 1-2 (in Russian)

    Etkina, E.V. (1993). Physics for mathematicians, September 1, Physics: 2, 6 (in Russian).

    Zafran R. & Etkina, E. (1992). Moscow high schools: Restructuring in better learning, Physics Education: 27, 306-309.

    Etkina, E.V. (1989). The lesson of creativity and competition, Physics at School, 1, 35-36 (in Russian).

    Novikov, I.D. & Etkina, E.V. (1988). How to Include Astrophysical Knowledge in Physics Course, Physics at School, 6, 59-64 (in Russian).

    Published Peer-refereed Conference Proceedings

    Etkina, E., Gentile, M., Karelina, A., Ruibal-Villasenor, M., & Suran, G. "Searching for "Preparation for Future Learning" in physics," Physics Education Research Conference, Proceedings, Proceedings of the 2009 Physics Education Research Conference, Ann Arbor, MI. 1179, 141-144.

    Shekoyan, V. & Etkina, E. "Solving multiple possibility problems to promote students' epistemic cognition," ibid., 269-272.

    Wutchana, U., Emarat, N., & Etkina, E. "Students' responses to surveys and their learning: Are they consistent?" ibid., 305-308.

    Bartiromo, T. & Etkina, E. "Implementing reforms: Teacher Beliefs about curriculum and their students' learning, " ibid., 89-92.

    Rosengrant, D., Van Heuvelen, A., & Etkina, E. How do students use different representations when solving physics problems? Proceedings of the NARST 2008 Annual Meeting, 2008, Garden Grove, CA.

    Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Brookes, D., Murthy, S, Karelina, A., & Ruibal-Villasenor, M. Development and transfer of student scientific abilities. Proceedings of the National STEM Assessment Conference: Washington DC, October 19-21, 2006. Deeds, Donald G. and Callen, Bruce W., Eds. National Science Foundation and Drury University, 2008. 68-80.

    Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Karelina, A., M. Ruibal-Villasenor, M., & Rosengrant, D. (2007). Spending Time on Design: Does It Hurt Physics Learning? In 2007 Physics Education Research Conference, (Greensboro, NC, August 2007) edited by L. Hsu, C. Henderson, and L. McCullough, AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol 951, 88-91.

    Karelina, A., Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Rubail-Villasenor, M, Rosengrant, D., & Hmelo-Silver, C. (2007) Design labs: Does transfer occur? ibid., 92-95.

    Ruibal-Villasenhor, M., Etkina, E., Karelina, A., Van Heuvelen, A., Rosengrant, D., & Jordan, R. (2007) From physics to biology: Helping students attain all terrain knowledge. ibid., 96-99.

    Shekoyan, V. & Etkina, E. (2007) Introducing ill structured problems in introductory physics recitations. ibid., 192-195.

    Etkina, E., Karelina, A., & Ruibal-Villasenor, M. (2007) Studying transfer of scientific reasoning abilities. In 2006 Physics Education Research Conference, (Syracuse, NY, July 2006) edited by L. McCullough, L. Hsu, and P. Heron, AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 883, 81-84.

    Karelina, A. & Etkina, E. (2007) When and how do students engage in sense-making in a physics lab? ibid., 93-96.

    Ruibal-Villasenor, M. & Etkina, E. (2007) Reformed physics instruction through the eyes of students. ibid., 105-108.

    Rosengrant, D., Etkina, E., & Van Heuvelen, A. (2007). Multiple representations in physics instruction - an overview. ibid., 149-152.

    Rosengrant, D., Etkina, E., &Van Heuvelen, A. (2006) Case study: Students’ use of multiple representations in problem solving. In 2005 Physics Education Research Conference, (Salt Lake City, UT, August 2005) edited by P. Heron. L. McCullough and J. Marx, AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 818, 49-53.

    Brookes, D. & Etkina, E. Do our words really matter? (2006). ibid., 57-61.

    Etkina, E. & Murthy, S. (2006) Design labs: Students' expectations and reality. ibid., 97-100.

    Murthy, S. & Etkina, E. (2005) Developing scientific abilities in a large class. In 2004 Physics Education Research Conference, edited by J. Marx, P. Heron and S. Franklin, AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 790, 133-136.

    Brookes, D., Horton, G., Van Heuvelen, A., & Etkina, E. (2005) Concerning scientific discourse about heat. ibid.,149-153.Rosengrant, D., Etkina, E., & Van Heuvelen, A. (2005). Free-body diagrams: Necessary or sufficient? ibid., 177-181.

    Murthy, S. & Etkina, E. (2005). Using experimental design problems to help students in a large enrollment class develop scientific abilities. Proceedings of the NARST 2005 Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX.

    Etkina, E. (2004). What did I learn and why do I believe it? AIP conference proceedings, Volume 720, New York: Melville, 27-31.

    Etkina, E., Chinn, C., & Hammer, D. (2003). Developing Scientific Epistemology. NARST Conference proceedings, Philadelphia, PA.

    Etkina, E., Barnhart, S., & Brookes, D. (2002). Constructing scientific models during teacher preparation. Proceedings of SITE 2002: Information Technology and Teacher Education Annual. Nashville, TN. 1589-1590.

    Etkina, E. (2002). Formative and summative assessment in a physics class: Time to change. Proceedings of the 2002 Physics Education Research Conference, Boise, Idaho, 25 – 31.

     Etkina, E. & Van Heuvelen, A. (2001). Investigative Science Learning Environment: Using the processes of science and cognitive strategies to learn physics. Proceedings of the 2001 Physics Education Research Conference. Rochester, NY, 17-21.

    Brahmia, S. & Etkina, E. (2001). Emphasizing the social aspects of learning to foster success of students at risk. ibid., 63-66.

    May, D. & Etkina, E. (2001). Self-reflection, epistemological beliefs, and conceptual gains. ibid., 99-103

    Van Heuvelen, A. & Etkina, E. (2000). Using Multimedia Interactively in an Introductory Epistemological Physics Learning system, Proceedings of the Computers and Advanced Technology in Education (CATE 2000) IASTED International Conference, Cancun, May 25.

    Etkina, E. Matilsky, T., Lawrence, M., & Charney, J. (2000). Using technology to conduct authentic research in a high school. ibid.

     

    Books, Other than Textbooks, Including Scholarly Monographs

    Etkina, E., and Mestre, J. (2004). Implications of Learning Research for Teaching Science to Non-Science Majors. A backgrounder for the SENCER foundation, can be found at http://www.aacu.org/SENCER/backgrounders.cfm

    Textbooks

    Van Heuvelen, A. & Etkina, E. (2006). The physics Active Learning Guide. San Francisco, CA: Pearson, Addison Wesley. (Instructor edition).

    Van Heuvelen, A. & Etkina, E. (2006). The Physics Active Learning Guide. San Francisco, CA: Pearson, Addison Wesley. (Student edition).

    Chapters in Books or Monographs

    Etkina, E. Pedagogical content knowledge and preparation of physics teachers. A book chapter in a peer-refereed book "Preparation of Physics Teachers in the US", about 40 pages (prospectus is accepted).

    Etkina, A., Rosengrant, D., and Van Heuvelen, A. Using multiple representations to improve student learning in mechanics. Advanced Placement Special Focus: Multiple Representations, about 30 pages. Winter 2009 (in press).

    Etkina, E. & Van Heuvelen, A. (2007) Investigative Science Learning Environment - A Science Process Approach to Learning Physics, in E. F. Redish and P. Cooney, (Eds.), Research Based Reform of University Physics, (AAPT), Online at

    http://per-central.org/per_reviews/media/volume1/ISLE-2007.pdf

    Etkina, E., Mestre, J., & O’Donnell, A. (2005). The impact of cognitive revolution on science learning and teaching. In. J. M. Royer (Ed.), The cognitive revolution in educational psychology. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, pp. 119-164.

    Etkina, E.V. & N.V. Sharonova. (1996). New approach in teaching physics for gifted students, in Teaching University Physics, Moscow: Prometey, pp. 22-24 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. and N.V. Sharonova (1990). Homework in physics: how to do it best, Methodological Recommendations for Students of Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow: Prometey, pp. 35-41 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. and N.V. Sharonova (1989). Games in physics lessons, The Improvement of Teaching Science, Ministry of Education, Moscow, Russia, pp. 43-48 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. and I.D. Novikov (1987). One of the possible ways to review physics, in Methodological Recommendations on Physics Education in High School, Moscow State Teaching Training Institute, pp. 67-70 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. and N. V. Sharonova. (1986). Seminars in physics: Wave and particle properties of light, Seminars at High School, Moscow State Institute for Teacher Improvement, pp. 38-46 (in Russian).

    Etkina, E.V. (1985). How to teach Newton’s laws at school, ibid., pp. 28--32 (in Russian).

    Articles in Non-refereed or General Journals

    Etkina, E. (2005). Preparing tomorrow’s physics teachers. Forum on Education of the American Physical Society, Fall 2005, 28-32.

    Etkina, E., & Van Heuvelen, A. (2004). Investigative Science Learning Environment. Forum on Education of the American Physical Society, Spring issue, 12-14.

  • Research Initiatives

     

    Externally-Funded Research and/or Training Grants

    09/2008-09/2009 (Grant Amount: $98,000) National Science Foundation (PI) to conduct a project "Preparation for Future Learning" in physics", Etkina, E.

    08/2007-ongoing (Grant Amount: $300,000) National Science Foundation (PI) to conduct a project “Physics Union Mathematics”, Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Brahmia, S.

    08/2005-09/2008 (Grant Amount: $510,000) National Science Foundation (PI) to conduct a project “Transfer of Scientific Abilities", Etkina, E., Van Heuvelen, A., Hmelo-Silver, C., & Jordan, R.

    08/2003-10/2006 (Grant Amount: $302,536) National Science Foundation (PI) to conduct a project “Using Formative Assessment to develop introductory physics skills”, Etkina, E. & Van Heuvelen, A.

    07/2001-07/2004 (Grant Amount: $500,000) New Jersey Commission on Higher Education (co-PI) Teacher Effectiveness Grant “Urban Science Education Collaborative for Teacher Effectiveness” (40%), Cook, D., Etkina, E., & Catly, K.

    04/2001-05/2003 (Grant Amount: $120,000) Educational Foundation of America (PI) to conduct “Astrophysics Research by High School Students” program, Etkia, E. & Matilsky, T.

    03/2001-03/2005 (Grant Amount: $500,000) National Science Foundation (PI on the Rutgers component) to conduct a project “Investigative Science Learning Environment: Science and Cognition Combined”, Van Heuvelen, A., Etkina, E. & Brahmia, S.

    05/2000-05/2003 (Grant Amount: $600,000) US Department of Education (co-PI) "Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to use Technology" (40%), Barnhart, S. & Etkina, E.

    05/2000-05/2001 (Grant Amount: $110,000) NJ Department of Education (Co-PI) to start a new Professional Development School in NB School District (35%), McCune, L. & Etkina, E.

    01/2000-01/2002 (Grant Amount: $199,918) National Science Foundation (Co-PI) to reform an introductory physics course for science majors (25%), Pifer, J. Kalelkar, M., Etkina, E., & Mekjian, A.

    11/1998-11/1999 (Grant Amount: $109,800) Educational Foundation of America to conduct the project “X-ray research by high school students” (Co-PI), $99,800 (50%)

    Additional funds in 1999 $10,000, Matilsky, T. & Etkina, E.

    Internally-Funded Research and/or Training Grants

    04/2003 (Grant Amount: $40,000) Advisory Committee for Instructional Computing (co-PI) for the project Wireless Laptops / Digital Video for Teacher Preparation (45%)., Barnhart, S. & Etkina, E.

    05/1998-05/1999 (Grant Amount: $1,000) Rutgers University, University’s Research Council to continue the summer program during the school year, (PI), Etkina, E.

    01/1998 (Grant Amount: $6,000) Dean’s office, GSE to work with PDS teachers (PI), Etkina, E.

    10/1997-10/1998 (Grant Amount: $25,000) Rutgers University, (FAS) to conduct Astrophysics Summer Institute for high school students and their teachers (co-PI) (50%)., Etkina, E. & Matilsky, T.

  • Awards

     

    2010 Rutgers Physics Teacher Preparations Program is recognized as an exemplary site endorsed by the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC), October 2010.

    2010 AAAS SPORE - Science Prize for an On-Line Technology Resource - award for the Rutgers Physics Teaching Technology Resource http://paer.rutgers.edu/pt3 October 2010.

    2010 Rutgers University Warren I. Susman Award for excellent in teaching for the academic year 2009-2010

    2009 2009 – 9th Annual G. Arfken Scholar in Residence, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

    2007 GSE Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty Research Award.

  • Expertise

    Physics Education

    Science Education

    Physics Teacher Preparation

    Science Teacher Preparation

    Elementary Science

 

Tags: Eugenia Etkina, Science Education