Sandi Cooper, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction

Baylor University
School of Education
One Bear Place #97314
Waco, TX 76798
Phone: 254-710-3246
fax: 254-710-3160
Email: Sandra_Cooper@Baylor.edu
Website: http://homepages.baylor.edu/sandra_cooper

Degrees:
1994, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
1988, M.A., Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
1985, B.A., Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana

Principal Publications
Cooper, S. (2011) - An exploration of the potential for mathematical experiences in informal learning environments. Visitor Studies,14(1): TBD

Kamen, M., Junk, D., Marble, S., Cooper, S., Eddy, C., Wilkerson,T., and Sawyer, C. (2011). Walking the talk: Lessons learned by university mathematics methods instructors implementing lesson study for their own professional development. In L. Hart, A. Alston, & A.Murata (Eds.) Lesson-study Research and Practice in Mathematics Education (pp. 167-176). New York, NY: Springer.

Cooper, S., Thomas, J., & Motley, T. (2011). No duck left behind: Children's data analysis supports scientists' theory of declining duck populations. Science and Children, 48(5): 45-49.

Nesmith, S. & Cooper, S. (2010). Trade books in the mathematics classroom: The impact of many, varied perspectives on determination of quality. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 24(4): 1-19.

Cooper, S. (2009). Preservice teachers' analysis of children's work to make instructional decisions. School Science and Mathematics Journal, 109 (6), 355-362.

Ponticell, J. A., Thomas, J.A., Cooper, S.B. (2006). Conflict in staff development implementation: A case study. Journal of School Public Relations, 27(2), 147 - 160.

Runnels, M.K., Thomas, J.A., Lan, W.Y., Cooper, S.B., & Ahern, T. (2006). New models of learning: A review of research about the use of technology in online courses. Review of Education Research. 76 (1): 93-135.

Ahern, T., Thomas, J. A., Tallent-Runnels, M.. K., Lan, W. Y., Cooper, S., Cyrus, J., & Lu, X. (2006). The effect of social grounding on collaboration in a computer-mediated small group discussion. The Internet and Higher Education.9(1):37-46.

Tallent-Runnels, M. K., Lan, W. Y., Fryer, W., Thomas, J. A., Cooper, S., & Wang, K. (2005). The relationship between problems with technology and graduate students' evaluations of online teaching. The Internet and Higher Education, (8) 167-174.

Runnels, M.K., Cooper, S.B., Thomas, J.A., Lan, W.Y.,& Busby, C. (2005). How to teach online: What the research says. Distance Learning, 2(1): 21-27.

Thomas, J. & Cooper, S. (2004). Preparing tomorrow's teachers to teach with technology: Getting past Go in science and mathematics. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education [Online serial], 4(3). Available: http://www.citejournal.org/vol4/iss3/currentpractice/article2.cfm

Thomas, J.A., Cooper, S.B., & Haukos, D. (2004). Skateboards or wildlife? Wetland problem solving. Science and Children, 41(7): 20-24.

Research interests
My research interests focus on the development of mathematical thinking in young children and how various instructional strategies, contexts of learning, and use of technology can enhance mathematical connections. Research projects include the studies of the integration of math and science, integration of children's literature in mathematics, how informal learning opportunities enhance mathematical thinking, impact of families in math and science learning, preservice teachers' understanding of children's mathematical thinking, and professional development through lesson study.

Philosophy
As a teacher, I am interested in being a facilitator of a student's growth toward professional goals. I try to encourage students to be creative in educational learning experiences so that it is more personalized to their needs, interests, and future applications. I'm interested in students becoming decision makers based upon their knowledge and judgements and I try to provide avenues for them to develop these skills.

National Leadership
Co-Executive Director, School Science and Mathematics Association, 2006-2011
Conference Program Chair, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference, 2008
Conference Program Chair, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, 2007

Courses Taught
TED 4326 - Teaching Math in the Elementary Grades
EDC 5331 - Assessment Issues in Mathematics Education
EDC 5v95 - Cognitive Theories in Mathematics Education

Other
Specialized Training
Mathematics TEKS Refinement, Grade Bands K-5 (Training for Trainers Modules, 2006)
Mathematics TEKS Connections, Grade Bands K-5 (Training for Trainers Modules, 2007)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCATE SPA Reviewer (Training, 2006)

Professional Leadership
Affiliates Director, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, 2009-2011
Co-Executive Director, School Science and Mathematics Association, 2006-2010
President, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators in Texas, 2008-2010
Past-President, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators in Texas, 2010-2011
Conference Program Chair, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference, 2008
Conference Program Chair, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, 2007