Randy Yerrick

Professor
Science Education

Learning and Instruction

 515 Baldy Hall
 (716) 645-4047
 ryerrick@buffalo.edu


Equity and Diversity
Science Education
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Discourse Analysis and Autoethnography
Qualitative Research
Technology Implementation

Jump to Publications

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., Teaching, Policy, & Practice; Cognate: Science Education, Michigan State University, 1993
  • M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Michigan State University, 1988
  • B.S., Major: Chemistry; Minor: Mathematics; Minor: Physics, Michigan State University, 1986

Research Projects and Interests

Learning From Children's Voices & Improving Science Education (project link)

This project aims to support elementary science student teachers enrolling in methods courses to attempt a variety of teaching strategies, practice thoughtful reflection upon best practices, and revise traditional beliefs about the nature of teaching and learning. Methods students use digital video as a reflection tool as they explore children's thinking in order to plan and reflect upon their instruction. During the course of the project we seek answers to the questions:

  1. What shifts can be expected of teacher candidates during their preparation to comply with evolving teacher standards, and
  2. Which attributes of our field-based teacher education model are most strongly linked to desired clinical intern dispositions.
Improving the Participation and Achievement of Students in Diverse Schools by Enhancing Teacher Professional Development in Science and Learning Technologies  (project link)
Alberto J. Rodriguez (PI); Policy Studies, Language & Cross Cultural Education
Cathy Zozakiewicz & Randy Yerrick (Co-PIs); Teacher Education

In order to make science and technology available to all students, teachers must have access to appropriate learning technologies, requisite theoretical knowledge, and pedagogical skills necessary to use learning technologies for meaningful and culturally relevant learning. This is a three-year long professional development and research study based in a diverse school context in which cohorts of elementary science student teachers are selected and placed to teach science in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms. During this time they are learning teaching strategies associated with the sociotransformative constructivist model for science education and collaborating with their assigned teachers as we measure the learning of their students.

Apple Distinguished Educator  (link)

The ADE program recognizes educators who most innovatively integrate technology into the curriculum. Apple's program is designed to enhance the professional development of innovative educators, sustain vibrant discourse among a community of educators, recognize and publicize the most innovative educators, and learn from them how best to integrate technology into the curriculum.

Click on images above to view online exhibits
Technology Tools  (link)

Technology Tools is supported in part by funding from the National Science Foundation Teacher Enhancement Program (Award #ESI 9355706). TechTools professional development workshops assist local school systems to secure funding to support K–12 professional development programs in applications of technology to teaching and learning.

Science Education Outreach Projects (link)
M3P Buffalo Science Project (link)

Yerrick, R. & Johnson, J. (In Press). Negotiating white science in rural Black America: A case for navigating the landscape of teacher knowledge domains. Cultural Studies in Science Education. 6, 2. DOI: 10.1007/s11422-011-9355-1. [Available: CSSE Journal]

Yerrick, R., McLaughlin, S., McDonald, S. and Thompson, M. (2011). “Collected from the cutting room floor: An examination of teacher education approaches to digital video editing as a tool for shifting classroom practices.” Journal of Current Issues in Technology Education. 11, 1, [Available: CITE Journal]

Yerrick, R., & Gilbert, A. (2011). Constraining school discourse and its effect on lower track science students’ identity. Journal of Multicultural Discourse, 6, 1, 67-91.
7[Available: JMD Article]

Yerrick, R. & Schiller, J. (2011) “Who are you callin’ expert?’: Using student narratives to negotiate White science in rural Black America.” Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 48,1,13-36. [Available: JRST Article]

Yerrick, R. and Beatty-Adler, D. (2011). Addressing Equity and Diversity with Teachers Though Informal Science Institutions and Teacher Professional Development. Journal of Science Teacher Education. 22, 3, 229-253.

Yerrick, R.K. (2010). “How Laptops, Probeware, and Digital Media Transform Science Learning,” Apple Computer Inc. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R., & Johnson, J. (2009). Meeting the needs of middle grade science learners through pedagogical and technological intervention. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 9, (3), 280-315.

Struck, W. and Yerrick, R. (2009). The Effect of Data Acquisition-Probeware and Digital Video Analysis on Accurate Graphical Representation of Kinetics in a High School Physics Class, Journal of Science Education and Technology, 18, 5, 428-438.

Yerrick, R., & Ambrose, R. (2008). Ascribing Legitimacy. Electronic Journal of Science Education. 12, 2, 132-170.

Yerrick R. and Alnakeeb, Z. (2008). How can we look toward the horizon, with our ears to the ground?: Some challenges to conceptualize science teacher education from a culturally responsive perspective. Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy. 4, 1, 45-49.

Yerrick, R., Roth, W.-M., & Tobin, K. (2007). The cultures of schooling and the reproduction of inequity Qualitative Social Research Journal 1, 253-272.

Yerrick, R.K. (2006). iPod in science education: The teaching and learning potential of portable video and audio assets in K-12 science classrooms. Cupertino, CA: Apple computer.

Randy Yerrick, R., Ross, D., and Molebash, P. (2005). Too Close for Comfort: Real-Time Science Teaching Reflections via Digital Video Editing, Journal of Science Teacher Education, 6, 4, 351-375. (PDF version)

Rodriguez, A.J., Zozakiewicz, C, & Yerrick, R. (2005). Using Prompted Praxis to Improve Teacher Professional Development in Culturally Diverse Schools. School Science and Mathematics Journal. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R. K., Doster, E., Nugent, J. S., Parke, H. M., & Crawley, F. E. (2003). Social interaction and the use of analogy: An analysis of preservice teachers' talk during physics inquiry lessons. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40, 443–463. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R. K., & Hoving, T. J. (2003). One foot on the dock and one foot on the boat: Differences among preservice science teachers' interpretations of field-based science methods in culturally diverse contexts. Science Education, 87, 390–418.

Yerrick, R. (2002). Utilizing digital video to expand prospective science teachers' views of science. Exchanges: The Online Journal of Teaching and Learning in the CSU. Retrieved from http://www.exchangesjournal.org/classroom/1092_Yerrick_pg1.html.

Gilbert, A., & Yerrick, R. (2001). Same school, separate worlds: A sociocultural study of identity, resistance, and negotiation in a rural, lower track science classroom. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38, 574–598. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R. K., & Ross, D. L. (2001). I read, I learn, iMovie: Strategies for developing literacy in the context of inquiry-based science instruction. Reading Online, 5(1). (HTML version)

Pedersen, J. E., & Yerrick, R. K. (2000). Technology in science teacher education: A survey of current uses and desired knowledge among science educators. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 11, 131–153. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R. K. (2000). Lower track science students' argumentation and open inquiry instruction. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37, 807–838. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R., & Hoving T. (1999). Obstacles confronting technology initiatives as seen through the experience of science teachers: A comparative study of science teachers’ beliefs, planning, and practice. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 8, 291–307. (PDF version)

Yerrick, R. (1999). Re-negotiating the discourse of lower track high school students. Research in Science Education, 29, 269–293.

Yerrick, R. (1998). Reconstructing classroom facts: Transforming lower track science classrooms. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 9, 241–270. (HTML version)

Books and Book Chapters

Yerrick, R., Liuzzo, A. Brutt-Griffler, J. (2011). “Building common language, experiences, and learning spaces with lower track science students.” In B. Fraser, K. Tobin and C. McRobbie’s (Eds.) Second International Handbook of Science Education, Springer Publishers.

Glasgow, N., Cheyne, M., and Yerrick, R. (2010). What Successful Science Teachers Do: 75 Research Proven Strategies. Corwin Press. (Available online)

Rodriguez, A. J., Zozakiewicz, C., & Yerrick, R. (2008). Students acting as change agents in culturally diverse schools. In A. J. Rodriguez (Ed.), The multiple faces of agency: Innovative strategies for effecting change in urban school contexts (pp.47-72). Rotterdam, Netherlands: SENSE.

Yerrick, R.K., (2006). Just a shadow of Antwann: Exploring issues of race, power, and concern in rural lower track science contexts. In K. Tobin (Ed.), The encyclopedia of science education.New York: Greenwood Press.

Yerrick, R. and W.-M. Roth (2005). Establishing Scientific Discourse Communities: Multiple voices of teaching and research. Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers.

Yerrick R. (2005). "Seeing IT in the Lives of Children: Strategies for Promoting Equitable Practices among Tomorrow's Science Teachers." Pp. 203-224 in by A. J. Rodriguez & R. S. Kitchen's (Eds.) Preparing Mathematics and Science Teachers for Diverse Classrooms: Promising Strategies for Transformative Pedagogy. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Hillsdale, NJ.

Yerrick, R. (2004). Scientific knowledge as socially constructed: Engaging all students in science at the post-secondary level. In A. John's and M. Sipp's (Eds.) Addressing Diversity in Higher Education. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.

Yerrick, R. (2004). Utilizing digital video editing to expand teachers' views of science. In C. Wiegand's (Eds.) Contributions to Academic Technology in the California State Universities. Academic Senate Press, Sacramento.

Presentations

Yerrick, R. (July, 2011). Keynote Address: "Science Education Reform: Teaching from what we know / Learning from what we don’t.” ICT2011 Leadership Academy, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Yerrick, R. (February, 2011). “Teens and Technology,” Clarence School Improvement Team Speaker Series, Clarence, NY.

Yerrick, R. (December, 2010) “Science in a Next Generation Learning Environment,” Technology Education Leadership Academy, Singapore

Yerrick, R. (August, 2010) Keynote Address: It’s about time…and it’s about time. C21 Leadership Academy, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Yerrick, R. (2010, March). Keynote Address: “Evidence, Arguments, and the Nature of Science Represented in the National Science Education Standards.” National States’ Science Supervisors’ Meeting at the Annual Meeting of the National Science Teachers Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Yerrick, R. (May, 2010). Keynote Address: “The 21st Century Science Experience: Transforming science learning and student achievement with technology.” New York City FAMIS Event, Manhattan, NY.

Morrow, K. Seymour, J., & Shupe, G., Yerrick, R., (June, 2010). “Challenge Based Education: Questions and Options.” Presentation to the Apple Distinguished Educators, Full Sail University, Orlando, FL.

Yerrick, R. & Liuzzo, A. (2009, April). “From Remediation To Shared Spaces: Implications for Teachers of Historically Low Achieving Science Students.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Anaheim, CA).

Yerrick, R. & Johnson, J. (2009, April). “Developing a Framework for Science Teacher Knowledge Through the Examination of Failures and Miscues.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Anaheim, CA).

Yerrick. R., Meyer, B., Miller, S., Thompson, M. (2009, April). “Initiating Technological and Pedagogical Shifts In Low Achieving Urban Minority Classrooms.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Anaheim, CA).

Yerrick, R. (2009, November). 21st Century Tools and Science Inquiry.. Keynote address given at the Annual Meeting of the Florida State Science Supervisors. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Butler-Songer, N., Fisher, K., Linn, M., MacDonald, S., Staudt, C., Tinker, R. Yerrick, R. (April, 2009). “Incorporating 21st Century Computing in Today’s Science Learning Environment: The latest research and practice.” Full day hands on laptop and peripheral seminar. (Anaheim, CA).

Tobin, K., Varelas, M., Roth, W.M., Tippins, D. Brickhouse, N., Rodriguez, A., Yerrick, R. (2008). How far we have come after two decades of progress: A Revisitation to the Challenge of “Science For All Americans.” Research Committee Sponsored Session Panel discussion at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Philadelphia, PA.

Yerrick, R. (May, 2008). “Differentiated Instruction.” Presentation given at the Collaborating and Communicating with Contractors [C3] Apple Professional Development Training, Cupertino, CA.

Kenneth Tobin, K., M. Varelas, Roth, W.-M. Tippins, D., Brickhouse, N., Rodriguez, A.J., Yerrick, R. (2008, April) How far we have come after two decades of progress: A Revisitation to the Challenge of “Science For All Americans.” Equity Committee Sponsored Discussion Panel offered at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Baltimore, MD)

Yerrick, R. (April, 2008). “Science Teaching Through Digital Media.” Guest speaker for Western New York’s ChemShare Teacher Group. Buffalo, NY.

Simmons, P., Lunetta, V., Penick, J. (2008, April). Research Agenda In Science Education: An Examination of Three Domains of Inquiry. [Presider: R. Yerrick], Research Workshop offered at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Baltimore, MD)

Roth, K., Givvin, K, Hammer, D., Chen, C., Schwille, K. (2008, April). Using Videocases to Support and Study Preservice Teacher Learning: Two Approaches. . [Presider: R. Yerrick], Research Workshop offered at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (Baltimore, MD)

Gray, L., Yerrick, R.K., & Male, M. (2007, June). Preparing teachers to lead in a global society. Panel presented at the annual National Education Computing Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, May). Data collection and middle school science teaching. Professional development workshop presented at Stone Middle School, Melbourne, FL.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, May). Apple digital learning series: Secondary science. Apple Professional Development workshop presented to the Plainfield School District, NJ.

Yerrick, R.K (2007, April). The gold standard of science education research: Does one size fit all problems? Invited discussant at the annual conference of the National Association of Science Teaching, New Orleans, LA.

Liu, X., & Yerrick, R.K. (2007, April). Trends in science education research: Case studies of noted living science educators. Discussants at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, April). iLife and science integration. Apple Professional Development workshop presented to the Plainfield School District, NJ.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, March). Presented at the state science superior’s breakfast at the annual conference of the National Science Teachers Association, St. Louis, MO.

Yerrick , R.K. (2007, February). Digital medial integration in science teaching. Presented at the Clarence Unified School District strategic planning meeting, NY.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, January). Laptop computing and today’s science learner. Presented at the annual Florida Educators Technology Conference, Orlando.

Yerrick, R.K. (2007, January). Digital media and science learning. Presented at the annual Florida Educators Technology Conference, Orlando.