Tufts Department of Education prepares scholars in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Engineering Education through its M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The Department’s M.A. program on Educational studies focuses on scholarly training in the social foundations of education, with emphases on the social context, history, and philosophy of education. Students in these programs work closely with our faculty and with faculty from other departments and research centers. We develop research on how students learn in different content areas and on the cultural, historical and philosophical influences on educational thought and practices. Our main goal is to prepare the researchers and professionals who will contribute to improve Pre-K-12 education for all students, through a deep understanding of:

1. Theory and research on learning and development, cognitive science, and the socio-cultural foundations of education;
2. The developmental, pedagogical, content specific, and socio-cultural challenges inherent in teaching and learning;
3. Research results and research methods appropriate for the development of studies that will contribute to new theoretical insights and practical approaches to education.

Specific research topics being developed by our faculty include:

On Mathematics Education:

• Algebra in elementary school
• Children's learning of written mathematics notation
• Everyday mathematics
• Learning algebra through Engineering activities
• Technological tools for teaching and learning mathematics

On Science Education:

• Assessment instruments in science education
• Modeling in science education
• Teachers learning science online
• Technological tools for teaching and learning science
• Theory-driven, inquiry-based science curricula
• Using authentic practices of scientists for student inquiry in K-12 education

On the Socio-Cultural Foundations of Education:

• Gender studies examined through historical, political, and socio-cultural lenses
• Policy and practice investigations related to urban education
• Theoretical scholarship emphasizing feminist theory, Critical Race Theory, and qualitative methodologies
• Social context of education analyses, with particular attention to race, gender, and class