Themes

This edition of epiSTEME is organised around themes and strands that address issues of contemporary relevance, as outlined below. The list is not intended to be exhaustive; we also welcome submissions that engage with intersections across these areas. Contributions may be situated across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education, as well as within teacher professional development programmes.

Discipline-Based Educational Research (DBER) & Cognitive Studies in STME

Conceptual change and knowledge representation in DBER, focusing on how students build mental models, address misconceptions, and use external representations.
Learning sciences and cognition-based studies in DBER.
Strategies for building cognitive resilience, including the role of belonging, interest, and confidence in student persistence.
Peer-to-peer dialogue, shared argumentation, and collective reasoning for deep conceptual mastery.

The Digital Turn in STME Education

Exploring AI-assisted problem-solving, personalized learning pathways, and the role of Large Language Models in science and mathematics classrooms.
Investigating smartphone-based laboratories to democratize experimental science through accessible tools.
Using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and simulations to make abstract scientific and mathematical concepts more accessible and meaningful.
Integrating coding, data visualization, and algorithmic reasoning across the STME curriculum.

Navigating Global Policy Reforms, Mentorship, and Teacher Education

Critical analysis of how national and international standards are reshaping curricula, assessment practices, and institutional structures.
Research on evolving educator mindsets, collaborative learning practices, and continuous professional development of STME teachers.
Exploring the impact of strong mentorship and institutional academic advising on student success and educator retention.
Addressing pedagogical and systemic challenges during transitions between middle, secondary, and tertiary education levels.

Knowledge, Culture, Socio-Scientific Issues

Investigating how the nature of science and mathematics is constructed, validated, and communicated in formal and non-formal settings.
Exploring the intersection of local contexts, culture, and community knowledge systems with formal STME education.
Pedagogical strategies that leverage group dynamics, communities of practice, and collaborative learning to bridge equity gaps in STME classrooms.
Empowering students to apply STME thinking to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and social inequality.

Conveners

Aniket Sule
Shweta S. Naik

Contact Details

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
VN Purav Marg, Mankhurd
Mumbai 400088, India

+91-(0)22-2507 2322

episteme11@hbcse.tifr.res.in

Links

HBCSE Website

Themes

Conveners

Contact Details

Links

Venue Location