December 2022 Researcher Spotlight

Dr. Samuel Cornelius Nyarko

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Provenance: Larry Collins, Longwood University
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What is the focus of your current geoscience education research?

I currently use qualitative and mixed methods to explore geoscience teaching and learning in two areas of research. First, I study students' non-technical (soft) skills development in the areas of teamwork and geoethics to prepare students for the geoscience workforce. Most recently, I have through a series of studies explored teamwork from the perspectives and practices of geoscience employers and students. I have also been involved in studies to develop effective teaching innovations to foster both faculty and students' interest in teaching and learning about geoethics.

My second research focus on how the history and philosophy of science can be used to inform the teaching of nature of science and diversity, equity, and inclusion in introductory geoscience courses. I recently investigated the influence of an instruction that uses the history of plate tectonics theory to teach students about the tentativeness of science theories, influence of culture and society in science, and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues such as genderism. I have also collaborated with other geoscience education researchers to explore how the integrated, coordinated, open, and networked (ICON) approach can be used to foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonginess in the geosciences.

What research methods/approaches do you prefer and why?

I mostly prefer mixed methods of research as I think purposeful integration of qualitative and quantitative data provides an opportunity to see events from various angles and through various research lenses enables for a more comprehensive understanding of the research landscape. I must emphasize here that I mostly use qualitative data to interpret quantitative data.

What has been the best tool/resource you've found for developing as a geoscience education researcher (organization, conferences, webinar, person, online resource)?

Been in a geoscience education research group as a graduate student and postdoc has been very beneficial. With very few mentors in our area of research, my continuous participation in my former mentor's research group and working with graduate students who are also interested in the scholarship of geoscience education research has been a great resource for me.

What type of project would you like to collaborate with other researchers on?

From teaching in both community colleges and large universities, one thing I have realized is students lack of knowledge about how science and scientists work (nature of science), but I see a lot of opportunities in bridging this gap, especially for geoscience students during fieldwork. I would be happy to collaborate in exploring effective ways to incorporate nature of science concepts into traditional field camps/courses and capstones.

What is your advice for someone who is interested in starting out in geoscience education research or scholarship of teaching and learning?

Explore the field to know the various areas of research or teaching and learning paradigms, and learn about best practices. Also, look for mentors who will support and help shape your own research ideas or teaching philosophy, and not theirs only. Also, take advantage of the wonderful geoscience education research community out there in NAGT, GSA, and AGU.

What does GER look like at your institution, in your position? (ex. Are you in a geology department or college of ed? Do you work with other DBER folks? Do you have graduate students? Are you looking for graduate or undergraduate students? Etc.)

I am currently a postdoc in the STEM Education Innovation and Research Institute at IUPUI, and I get to work with several DBER folks from Earth Science, Chemistry, and Biology. I hope to transition into an assistant professor position in a geoscience department in the next year so that I can concentrate on my own research program and recruit students. I am currently mentoring one Ph.D. student from Ghana through AGU's Mentoring 365 program.

Check out Dr. Nyarko's most recent publications below:

Nyarko, S. C., & Rudge, D. W. (2022). Using the history of plate tectonics to teach the nature of science. International Journal of Science Education, 1-20.

Nyarko, S. C., & Petcovic, H. L. (2022). Do students develop teamwork skills during geoscience fieldwork? A case study of a hydrogeology field course. Journal of Geoscience Education, 1-13.

Nyarko, S. C., & Petcovic, H. L. (2022). Essential teamwork skills: Perspectives of environmental geoscience employers. Journal of Geoscience Education, 1-13.