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Carla Zembal-Saul

Dr. Carla Zembal-Saul

Kahn Professor of STEM Education

148 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802

Department(s)

  • Curriculum and Instruction

Program(s)

  • Science Education

Biography

Carla Zembal-Saul is a Professor of Education in Science Education and holds the Kahn-endowed professorship in STEM education. Her research investigates the development of teaching practices that support K-6 children's participation in authentic scientific discourse and practices. Zembal-Saul has been involved in school-university partnership work for most of her career, and her research takes place in this context. The purposeful integration of technology tools has played a central role in her teaching and research. In particular, Zembal-Saul has developed online video-based cases of reform-oriented science teaching, used video analysis tools with preservice and practicing teachers, examined the use of software scaffolds to support meaningful science learning, and implemented electronic teaching portfolios in teacher education.

 

In addition, she has experience serving on the editorial boards of the Journal of Research in Science Teaching (2001-2004), Science Education (2009-present), and the International Journal of Science Education (1998-present). Zembal-Saul was elected to the Executive Board of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (2007-2010) and chaired the organization's Publications Advisory Board (2008-2010).

Areas of Expertise

Age Levels

Adult
K-5 Children

Learning

Equity and Diversity
Instructional Methods and Design

Curriculum Areas

Science Ed

Education Levels

Elementary Education

Education Types

Public Ed

Methodological Research

Qualitative Research

Teacher Preparation

In-service Teachers
Pre-service Teachers
Professional Development