email: msabella@csu.edu

(2005) This project enhances our current offerings for Chicago area students by acquiring new, technology-rich equipment for use in our Physics Van Program.

Dissertation:Using the Context of Physics Problem-Solving to Evaluate the Coherenceof Student Knowledge
 

• Conducting investigations into how students come to understand physics
• Use of technology in the classroom
• Investigating how students use conceptual understanding in quantitative problem solving
• Adapting materials for use in the algebra-based and calculus-based physics classes at CSU
   

• “Implementing research–based instructional materials to promote coherence in physics knowledge for the urban STEM student,” M.S. Sabella and S.A. Barr, 2008 Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education (2008).
• “Examining the Effectiveness of Clickers on Promoting Learning by Tracking the Evolution of Student Responses,” Erica P. Watkins and Mel S. Sabella, 2008 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (AIP, NY).
• “Understanding and Encouraging Effective Collaboration in Introductory Physics Courses,” Geraldine L. Cochran and Mel S. Sabella, 2008 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (AIP, NY).
• “Using the resources of the student at the urban, comprehensive university to develop an effective instructional environment,” Mel S. Sabella, Kim Coble, and Samuel P. Bowen, 2008 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (AIP, NY).
• "Knowledge Organization and Activation in Physics Problem-Solving," M.S. Sabella and Edward F. Redish, Phys. Educ. Res., Am. J. Phys. Suppl. 75, 1017 (2007).
• "Providing support to inner-city students and teachers through the Physics Van Inservice Institute," M.S. Sabella, Phys Teach. 45, 80-84 (2007).
• "Evidence of Intuitive and Formal Schemas in Student Responses: Examples from the Context of Dynamics," M. S. Sabella and G.L. Cochran, 2003 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings, 89-92, (AIP, 2004.).
• "Implementing Tutorials in Introductory Physics at an Inner-City University in Chicago," M. S. Sabella, 2002 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings,79-82 (PERC, 2002).
• "Student performance on multiple-choice diagnostics vs. open ended exam questions," R.N. Steinberg and Mel S. Sabella, Phys. Teach. 35 , 150-155 (1997).

• Building a supportive, sustainable, science teaching community in the urban environment, Sabella and Van Duzor, Ann Arbor, MI, July 2009
• Promoting diversity in Physics Education Research: A report from the 2008 PER Conference, Sabella, Thompson, Gillespie, Ann Arbor, MI, July 2009
• Understanding the needs and resources of diverse populations: An example from the urban university classroom, Mel Sabella, presented at the Physics Education Group Research Seminar, March 2009, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Applying an integrated approach for building science teaching communities in urban environments, Mel S. Sabella and Andrea Gay Van Duzor, poster presented at the Physics Teacher Education Coalition Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, March 2009.
• Building Acceptance for PER-based Reform through Implementation of Clickers, Kathleen Koenig, Tom Carter, and Mel S. Sabella, presented at the 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers Conference, Chicago, IL
• Student views regarding the use of questions in the classroom, Geraldine Cochran and Mel Sabella, presented at the 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers Conference, Chicago, IL
• Developing effective instructional materials for the urban student: An agenda for Physics Education Research, presented at the 2008 DePaul University Physics Colloquia, 10-08, Chicago, IL
• Transferring Instructional Reforms into New Urban Learning Environments in Physics and Astronomy, S. Gallardo, K. Coble, M. Sabella, presented at the 2008 Physics Education Research Conference, Edmonton Canada
• Using the resources of the student at the urban, comprehensive university to develop an effective instructional environment, presented at the 2008 Physics Education Research Conference, Edmonton Canada
• Involving undergraduate researchers in PER, presented at the 2008 Physics Education Research Conference, Edmonton Canada
• Supporting Inquiry in the Chicago High School Physics Classroom, presented at the 2008 AAPT Conference, Edmonton, Canada.
• Understanding and Encouraging Effective Collaboration in Introductory Physics Courses, G. Cochran, M. Sabella, V. Hayes, presented at the 2008 Physics Education Research Conference, Edmonton Canada
• Examining The Effectiveness Of Clickers On Student Learning By Tracking Student Responses, E. Watkins and M. Sabella, presented at the 2008 Physics Education Research Conference, Edmonton Canada
• Implementing research–based instructional materials to promote coherence in physics knowledge for the urban STEM student, presented at the 2008 American Society for Engineering Education Conference, Pittsburgh PA

Chemistry and Physics Department

Chicago State University

page prepared by Mel S. Sabella (last updated 6-07) 
email: msabella@csu.edu