Research Mission
February 22nd, 2010 by Frank LaBanca, Ed.D.
As I constantly straddle the realms of educational research and the role of a practitioner, I find myself trying to define my interests. Today I describe my research interests in somewhat of a mission statement. I am doing it in plural form as, although I operate as an autonomous researcher, I have collaborators and someday hope to be directing my own social science lab. I currently direct a high school natural science and engineering lab, and there is much more diversity in my interests and their interests:
Mission:
We try to relate analytic thinking with creative thinking, which calls for multi-focused domain and divergent thinking. We are trying to promote synergic relationships between analytically and creative-oriented minds. Our research tries to bridge analytical with creative-oriented efforts, convergent with divergent thinking, to develop domain-specific expertise from non-focused or multi-focused generalism.
Research Interests:
By using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, we seek to better understand what promotes scientific thinking in young adults.
Threads for study:
The examination of problem finding and problem solving in authentic settings
Habits of mind for open inquiry
The impact of authentic inquiry opportunities on teaching and learning
The intersection of creative and logical/analytical behaviors in a situated cognitive learning setting
The development of 21st -century skills in conjunction with scientific content acquisition
The development of higher order thinking skills in science classrooms
The role of Web 2.0 interactive technology to improve critical, creative, and reflective thinking