Overview

The Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) is an interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of learning and teaching in science, engineering, and mathematics. It acts in most respects like a regular department, carrying out research, teaching courses, and offering a graduate program leading to a PhD degree in science or mathematics education. The faculty of the group consists of professors from several of the Berkeley science and engineering departments and the School of Education, and instructors associated with other units on campus, such as the Lawrence Hall of Science. The group operates under the auspices of the Graduate Division.

SESAME is closely related to the EMST (Education in Math Science and Technology) program and shares many courses with EMST. A major difference in the programs is that SESAME students are expected to obtain at least master's level competency in their mathematical or scientific disciplines. It produces scholars who can communicate well with scientists and engineers, as well as with educational researchers and practitioners. The program includes studies that connect human development, cognitive science, and educational technology with the learning of science, mathematics, and engineering.

SESAME PhDs have frequently taken positions in college science, mathematics, and engineering departments, teaching courses in the discipline but also serving as the "education person" in the department and doing research on the teaching and learning of the subject matter. Through the years SESAME students have also focused on learning in informal settings and have gone on to careers in institutions such as museums and science centers.

Undergraduate Program

There is no undergraduate program in Science and Mathematics Education.

Graduate Program

Science and Mathematics Education: PhD

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Courses

Science and Mathematics Education

Faculty and Instructors

+ Indicates this faculty member is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Faculty

Dor Abrahamson, Associate Professor. Mathematics cognition through the lenses of design-based frameworks.
Research Profile

Alice M. Agogino, Professor. Intelligent learning systems, information retrieval and data mining, multiobjective and strategic product design, nonlinear optimization, probabilistic modeling, intelligent control and manufacturing, sensor validation, fusion and diagnostics, wireless sensor networks, multimedia and computer-aided design, design databases, design theory and methods, MEMS Synthesis and CAD, artificial intelligence and decision and expert systems, gender equity.
Research Profile

Anne M. Baranger, Adjunct Professor. The overall goal of our research is to develop evidence-based educational practices that teach rigorous chemical content and authentic scientific practices and make undergraduates education more accessible, more enjoyable, and more relatable.
Research Profile

Robert G. Bergman, Professor. Organic and inorganic chemistry: synthesis and reaction mechanisms, organotransition metal compounds, homogeneous catalysis.
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Andrea A. diSessa, Professor. Physics and computation cognition.
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Armando Fox, Professor. Programming systems (PS), Education (EDUC), Operating Systems and Networking (OSNT).
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Bernard R. Gifford, Professor. Policy analysis, technological education.
Research Profile

Kris Gutierrez, Professor. Learning sciences, literacy and new media, design-based and qualitative research methods.

Arash Komeili, Associate Professor. Microbiology, Biomineralization, bacterial organelles, Magnetic Nanoparticles.
Research Profile

Luke Lee, Professor. Biophotonics, biophysics, bionanoscience, molecular imaging, single cell analysis, bio-nano interfaces, integrated microfluidic devices (iMD) for diagnostics and preventive personalized medicine.
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Marcia C. Linn, Professor. Cognitive processes, science, computer instruction.
Research Profile

Zachary A. Pardos, Assistant Professor. Formative assessment in virtual learning environments, educational data mining.

Michael Andrew Ranney, Professor. Reasoning, learning, cognitive science and society.
Research Profile

Alan H. Schoenfeld, Professor. Problem solving, metacognition, mathematical cognition.
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+ Angelica M. Stacy, Professor. Chemistry education.
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Jon Wilkening, Associate Professor. Applied mathematics, numerical analysis, computational solid and fluid mechanics.
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Affiliated Faculty

+ Bob Jacobsen, Professor. Fundamental particle physics.
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+ Deborah Nolan, Professor. Statistics, empirical process, high-dimensional modeling, technology in education.
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Lecturers

+ Sara Beckman, Senior Lecturer SOE.

Mike Clancy, Lecturer. Science education, cognitive development, educational software.
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Michelle Douskey, Lecturer.

Emeritus Faculty

+ Marian C. Diamond, Professor Emeritus. Environment, neuroanatomy, immune functions, hormones, mammalian forebrain structures, Cambodian orphanage, cerebral neocortex.
Research Profile