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Gail Richmond

 Professor
  Department of Teacher Education
 Ph.D., University of Connecticut
 319 Erickson
 517-432-4854
Gail Richmond is a professor of teacher education. Her research focuses on three areas. The first involves the question of scientific reasoning, and the impact of such reasoning ability on science achievement and career choices, such as research or science teaching. She is particularly interested in understanding better how the instructional context – from the university classroom to research apprenticeship experiences – can shape the development of such reasoning. The second focus is on identifying the critical knowledge and skills for effective science teaching and how two factors, an individual's perceptions and commitments as a developing teacher (professional identity) and the classroom and school context, shape this development of such knowledge and skills. She is particularly interested in how such development unfolds for those preparing to be teachers in high-need urban contexts, and how our understanding of this process might inform instruction which will support candidates who have such commitments and yield greater engagement and achievement in science by the students they teach. Her third focus is on understanding better those elements that allow teacher growth to occur within professional learning communities (PLCs), as well as the process by which these changes occur and may result in changes in classroom practice.

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