Ruth S. Burkett, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Science Education University of Central Missouri LOV 3300, Warrensburg, MO 64093 (660) 543-4787 (W)
EDUCATION
1997 - 2002 / University of South Florida, Tampa, FL; Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis on Instructional Technology & Science Education1968 -1969 / Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. M. Ed., Elementary Education.
1962 -1966 / Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. B. S., Biology.
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
February, 2002 / Epsilon Pi Tau, NASTS, Baltimore, MDOctober, 2001 / Phi Kappa Phi, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
January, 2001 / Roadrunner ETD Award, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
October 1994 / Florida Association of Science Teachers Elementary Science Teacher of the Year Award
August, 1991 / Charlotte County Representative, Oceanography Institute, Florida Institute of Oceanography, Long Key, FL
PUBLICATIONS AND GRANTS
December 2008 / Spector, B. S., Burkett, R. S., & Leard, C. (2007). Using informal education settings to teach the nature of science. In W. McComas (Ed.), The Nature of Science in Science Education (Second ed.). Boston: Kluwer. (Accepted for Publication.)August 2007 / Yao, Y., Downing, J., Nickens, N., Thomas, M., Burkett, R., and Lamson, S. Validity evidence of an electronic portfolio for preservice teachers. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice. Ames, IA: Blackwell Publishing. In press.
July 2007 / Spector, B.S., Burkett, R. S., & Leard, C. (2007) Mitigating resistance to teaching science through inquiry: Studying self. Journal of Science Teacher Education 18 (2). Boston: Springer Publishing.
April 2005 / Burkett, R. S., Spector, B. S., & Leard, C. (2005). Hey! What’re ya thinkin’? Developing teachers as reflective practitioners. In R. E. Yager (Ed.), Exemplary science: Best practices in professional development. Washington, DC: NSTA Press.
Summer 2004 / Burkett, Ruth S., Leard, Cyndy, & Spector, Barbara S. (2003) Using an electronic bulletin board in science teacher education: Issues and tradeoffs. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 3 (1) Available online
August 2003 / Spector, B.S. & Burkett, R. S. (2004) MSTS Inquiry for career change teachers. Bulletin of Science, Technology, and Society (23) 4. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
March 2003 / Spector, B.S. & Burkett, R. S. (2003) Factors contributing to tension emerging in a relaxed, risk free Preservice methods class for teaching science in elementary grades Philadelphia: Annual Conference Proceedings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching.
January 2002 / Spector, Barbara S., Burkett, Ruth S., & Steffen, Cherry O. (2002) Factors contributing to preservice teachers’ discomfort in a web-based course structured as an inquiry. Journal of Educational Technology Systems. Amityville, NY: Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.
November 7 - 11, 2001 / Spector, B. S., Burkett, R.,& Duke, M. (2001) Changing preservice elementary teachers' perceptions of the nature of science and science teaching. Denver, CO: Proceedings of the Sixth International History, Philosophy and Science teaching Conference.
March 5, 2001 / Burkett. R., Macy, M., White, J. and Feyten, C. (Eds,). (2001) Pre-service Teacher Education. In Willis, D., Price, J., & Willis, J. Society for Instructional Technology Education (SITE) Annual Conference Proceedings. (pp. 1513 - 1819). Charlottesville, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
January 17, 2001 / Burkett. R. (2001) The biological basis for gender differences in Web-based "discussions" and assessment. Association for the Education of Teachers in Science Conference Proceedings. Costa Mesa, CA: Association for the Education of Teachers in Science Annual Conference.
February 8, 2000 / Moore, B, Burkett. R., White, J. and Feyten, C. (Eds,). (2000) Pre-service Teacher Education. In Willis, D., Price, J., & Willis, J. Society for Instructional Technology Education (SITE) Annual Conference Proceedings. (pp. 1216 - 1516). Charlottesville, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
Fall 1995 / Watts, M & Burkett, R. S. Laboratory activity: Density currents. The Littoral Drift. Florida Marine Science Education Association. Punta Gorda, FL.
1993 - 1996 / Editor, Littoral Drift. Florida Marine Science Education Association Newsletter.
1994 / Member of Review Team, Florida Science Frameworks, Tampa, FL.
1993 - 1994 / Writing Team, Charlotte County Science Curriculum Frameworks
PRESENTATIONS
7-9 November 2007 / Burkett, R. S. (2007, 7-9 November). Building a community of learners: Team building activities with a science metaphor. Paper presented at the Southeastern Regional Association for Teacher Educators, St. Louis, MO.11 April 2007 / Yao, Y., Thomas, M., Nickens, N., Lamson, S., Downing, J.A., & Burkett, R. S. Validating an electronic portfolio for preservice teachers. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Chicago, IL.
30 March 2007 / Davis, A., Frazier, R., & Burkett, R. Children's Ideas, Extended Nature Study, and Microscopes: The Journey of a Preservice Teacher. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), St. Louis, MO.
20-24 March 2006 / Berson, M., Lee, J., Hicks, D., Young, C., Burkett, R., Milman, N., et al. (2006, March 20-24). Writing for publication in an online journal. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, Orlando, FL.
22 February 2007 / Burkett, R.S. (2007) Building the community of learners: Incorporating team-building activities with a science metaphor in your classroom. Paper presented at MoDESE Interface A, Lake of the Ozarks, MO.
12 January 2006 / Van Sickle, M., & Publications Committee. (2006, January 12). Publishing in science education journals. Paper presented at the Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE), Portland, OR.
11 – 15 April 2005 / Yao, Y., Nickens, N., Thomas, M., Wallace, B., Aldrich, J., Mihalevich, C., Burkett, R., Foster, K., King, A., Powell-Brown, A., Frazier, R., & Lamson, S. (2005). Using real life data to investigate the scoring of electronic portfolios. Paper presented at the Association for Educational Research 2005 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada
3 – 7 April 2005 / Burkett, R. S., & Leard, C. (2005). Building the community of preservice elementary science learners/teachers: Incorporating team building activities in a preservice biology course,National Association for Research in Science Teaching. Dallas, TX.
19 – 22 January 2005 / Burkett, R. S., Leard, C., & Spector, B. S. (2005). Building the preservice community of learners: Team building activities with science metaphors. Paper presented at the Association for Science Teacher Education, Phoenix, AZ.
1 – 4 April 2004 / Spector, B. S., Leard, C., & Burkett, R. S. (2004). Experiencing “Stages of Grief”: Outcome of reform in science teacher education. Paper presented at National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
8 – 10 January 2004 / Spector, B. S., Leard, C., & Burkett, R. S. (2004). MSTS inquiry: A critical MAT component. Paper presented at the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science, Nashville, TN.
8 – 10 January 2004 / Spector, B. S., Leard, C., & Burkett, R. S. (2004). A template for implementing NSES in middle and high school science methods courses. Paper presented at the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science, Nashville, TN.
21 – 25 April 2003 / Burkett, R. S. Pre-service teacher education: Using on-line discussions and electronic journals to enhance self-efficacy and attitudes toward the use of computers in the classroom. Chicago: Association for Educational Research in America.
23-26 March 2003 / Spector, B.S. & Burkett, R. S. (2003) Factors contributing to tension emerging in a relaxed, risk free Preservice methods class for teaching science in elementary grades. Philadelphia: National Association for Research in Science Teaching.
20-23 February 2003 / Spector, B.S. & Burkett, R. S. (2003) MSTS Inquiry for Career Change Teachers. Baltimore, MD: National Association for Science, Technology and Society 18th Annual meeting and Conference.
29 January – 2 February 2003 / Burkett, R. S. & Spector, B.S. (2003) “Use yourself as a learning laboratory:” A strategy to mitigate preservice elementary teachers’ resistance to teaching through inquiry. St. Louis, MO: Association for the Education of Teachers of Science Annual Conference.
October 5, 2002 / Burkett, R. S., Leard, C. & Spector, B.S. (2002) Using an electronic bulletin board in science education classes: Issues and tradeoffs. Kennesaw, GA: Association for the Education of Teachers of Science Southeastern Regional Conference.
April 8, 2002 / Spector, B. S. and Burkett, R. S. (2002) Using a science museum to mitigate preservice teachers' resistance to inquiry. New Orleans, LA: National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference
February 22, 2002 / Burkett, R. S. & Spector, B. S. (2002) So you want to use and electronic bulletin board in your STS course. Baltimore, MD: National Association for Science, Technology and Society 17th Annual meeting and Conference.
November 7 - 11, 2001 / Spector, B. S., Burkett, R.,& Duke, M. (2001) Changing preservice elementary teachers' perceptions of the nature of science and science teaching. Denver, CO: Sixth International History, Philosophy and Science teaching Conference.
November 2, 2001 / Burkett, R. S. & Spector, B.S. (2001)Enhancing motivation: Publishing student projects on the Web. St. Petersburg, FL: Florida Higher Education Consortium 10th Statewide Conference.
October 12, 2001 / Burkett, R. S., Spector, B.S. (2001) Students' projects: Is there lfe after grading?Tampa, FL: Southeastern Association for the Education of Teachers in Science: 2001 Conference.
October 12, 2001 / deVerteuil, N., Spector, B.S. & Burkett, R. S. (2001) Integrating technology in science teaching: Can we stop talking past each other? Tampa, FL: Southeastern Association for the Education of Teachers in Science: 2001 Conference.
April 19, 2001 / McClintock, E., July, R., Spector, B. S. & Burkett, R. S. Mathematics/science/technology/society (MSTS) Web-based learning, Track I. Jacksonville, FL: 12th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning.
March 9, 2001 / Cavanaugh, T. and Burkett, R. S. (2000) Teaching Educational technology to the educational masses. Orlando, FL: Society for Instructional Technology in Education (SITE) Annual Conference.
March 3, 2001 / Spector, B. S., Burkett, R. S., McClintock, E. & July, R. MSTS: Adding another dimension to STS teacher education. Baltimore, MD: National Association for Science, Technology and Society (NASTS) Annual Conference.
March 2, 2001 / Spector, B. S., Bethany, D., Chambers, B. and Burkett, R. A unique Web-based approach to teaching a science methods course. Tampa, FL: Sixth Annual Symposium on 21st Century Teaching Technologies: A continuing series of explorations.
January 21, 2001 / Burkett, R. (2001) The biological basis for gender differences in Web-based "discussions" and assessment. Costa Mesa, CA: Association for the Education of Teachers in Science Annual Conference.
January 19, 2001 / Steffen, C., Spector, B. S., Burkett, R., & deVerteuil, N. (2001) Students' reactions to constructivist Web-based learning of STS. Costa Mesa, CA: Association for Education of Teachers in Science Annual Conference.
November 10, 2000 / Steffen, C., Spector, B. S., Burkett, R., & deVerteuil, N. (2000) Empowering students to be autonomous learners: A dilemma for reform teaching. St. Petersburg, FL: Florida Higher Education Consortium 9th Statewide Conference.
August 14, 2000 / Panelist, Teacher Preparation Panel.Orlando, FL: Florida Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Fall Meeting.
May 20, 2000 / Spector, B.S., Burkett, R. and Barnes, M. (2000) Inter-university science, technology and society course for secondary teachers. Orlando, FL: Florida Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Second Annual Spring Symposium.
April 14, 2000 / Spector, B. S. and Burkett, R. (2000) A constructivist Web CT science/ technology/society interaction (STS) course.Jacksonville, FL: The 11th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning.
April 11, 2000 / Burkett, R. (2000) Constructivism in Higher Education: Expanding your horizons in PowerPoint.Jacksonville, FL: Higher Education Consortium Meeting.
March 24, 2000 / Spector, B. S. and Burkett, R. (2000) Science/technology/society interaction (STS0: Empowering students for life-long learning.Tampa FL: Symposium on 21st Century Teaching and Technology: A Continuing Series of Explorations.
March 4, 2000 / Spector, B. S., Burkett, R., Barnes, M., and Johnson, J. (2000) STS Preparation: A collaborative multi-university initiative. Baltimore, MD: 15th National STS Meeting, National Association for Science Technology Society.
May 5, 1995 / Burkett, R. (1995) Potpourri of Elementary Activities, Panama City Beach, FL: Florida Marine Science Education Association Conference.
March 26, 1994 / Leonard, C. and Burkett, R. (1994) A FMSEA Sampler. Bradenton, FL: Manatee-Sarasota-Charlotte Drive-In Conference.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
April 2007 / “Creating and Using Podcasts in the Classroom,” a Workshop for the Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Central MissouriFebruary 14 and March 14, 2007 / “Using Wikis: As Easy as Making a Peanut Butter Sandwich” Workshop for the Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Central Missouri
August 2003 to Present / Assistant Professor of Science Education, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO 64093 — EdCI 1320: Biology for Teachers, EdCI 2310: Computers/ Technology Education, EdCI 4350: Elementary Science Teaching Strategies (UG & G), EDCI 4315: Integrating Technology (G).
Summer 2003 / Adjunct Instructor — EME 6036: Telecommunications in Education (G)
Fall & Spring 2002 / Intern Teacher Supervision, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Spring 2002 / Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.— Instructor for SCE 4310: Teaching Elementary School Science (UG) and EME 6936: Applications of Computers as an Educational Tool: Interactive Media (G)
Fall 2001 / Member of Instructional Team for SCE 6616: Trends in Elementary Science Education (G), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Fall 2001 / Member of Instructional Team for SCE 6634: Trends in Secondary Science Education (G), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
2000-2001 / Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.Develop and implement curriculum for EME 5403: Microcomputers in Education, a graduate level Web-based course in instructional technology.
1998 - 2001 / Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. Develop curriculum for EME 2040: Introduction to Educational Technology, develop and implement Web-based instruction, supervise Teaching Assistants, coordinate Graduate Assistant co-instructors, edit course pack.
Fall, 1999 / Graduate Assistant, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.Develop and implement with Barbara S. Spector, Ph. D., SCE 4237: Science/ Technology/Society Interaction, a Web-based course modeling a constructivist approach to science education.
Summer, 1996 - 1999 / Marine Science Camp Coordinator, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL.Develop and implement curriculum for secondary level marine science camp.
September, 1995 to 1998 / Technology Facilitator, Liberty Elementary School, Charlotte County School District, Port Charlotte, FL.Responsible for teacher training in technology, software selection, installation and maintenance, hardware maintenance and technology curriculum development.
September, 1987 to 1998 / Teacher, Liberty Elementary School, Charlotte County School District, Port Charlotte, FL.Team teaching fifth grade science. Science team leader. Grade 4 teacher.
Summer, 1995 / Technology Consultant, First United Methodist Church, Sarasota, FL.A Teacher Quest Scholarship to train in MS Works and PageMaker for Widows with office personnel and lay volunteers.
Summer, 1992 and 1993 / Director, South Florida Environmental Science Camp, United Methodist Church, Alva, FL.Developed program activities and supervised staff for environmental theme church camp.
September, 1981 to June, 1987 / Teacher, West Elementary School, DeSoto County School District, Arcadia, FL.Chapter I Basic Skills Fifth Grade. Teacher Grade 3. Teacher Grade 5.
1970 - 1972 / Teacher, J. S. Gilbert Elementary School, Atlanta, GA.Science Grades 5-7; Grade 4
Sept, 1968 to June, 1970 / Teacher, Richland Elementary School, Quakertown, PA.Grade 5
ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICE
2007 / College of Education Task Force on 21st Century Learning2006 – Present / Faculty Advisor to Student MNEA at University of Central Missouri
2006 - Present / University Committee on Podcasting and iTunes U implementation
2006-2007 / Faculty Senate Distance Education Committee
2006-2008 / Alternate Faculty Senate
2006-2008 / Editor Science Section of Contemporary Issues in Teacher Technology Education. Available online
2006-2007 / President’s Conference Committee on Evaluation of Information Services
2006-2007 / College of Education and Human Services Distance Education Committee
2006-Present / Webmaster for Curriculum & Instruction
2005-Present / Portfolio Training for Curriculum & Instruction Department
2005-06 / College of Education and Human Services Student Affairs Committee
2005-06 / Department Representative to Student Technology Fee Committee
September 2005 / Proposal Review for NARST 2006
July 2005 & July 2006 / Proposal Review for ASTE Annual Conference 2006 & 2007
2004-07 / Co-chair of Elementary Cluster, Curriculum & Instruction Department
July 2004 / Proposal Review for ASTE Annual Conference 2005
2004 - Present / Member Phi Delta Kappa
2002 – Present / Member Phi Kappa Phi
2002 – 2005 / Member Phi Epsilon Tau
2003 - Present / Member American Association of University Women
2003 – Present / Member National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
August 2003 - Present / Newsletter Editor and Member of Central Missouri State University Environmental Education Center Committee.
2002 – 2005 / Member American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Spring 2002 & 2003 / Judge for ThinkQuest USA (see
2001 - 2004 / Member National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST)
2001 – Present / Member Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE)
2001 - 2006 / Webmaster and Member of the Board of Directors, National Association for Science. Technology and Society (NASTS)
2001 - 2003 / Task Force to Create An Advanced Graduate "Community" in Secondary Education
1998 - 2002 / Member, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
2000 - 2001 / Program Committee, Society for Instructional Technology in Education (SITE) Annual Conference.
2000 - 2001 / Member, Graduate Research (GRAPE)
1999 - 2001 / Member, Instructional Technology Student Association (ITSA)
1999 - 2001 / Member, National Association for Science. Technology and Society (NASTS)
1995 - 1998 / Member of Florida Association for Computers in Education
1996 - 1998 / Membership Chairperson, Florida Marine Science Education Association
1993 - 1996 / Newsletter/ Journal Editor, Florida Marine Science Education Association
1992 - 1998 / Science Leadership Team, Charlotte County School District
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
2003 – Present / Member Chancel Choir, First United Methodist Church, Warrensburg, MO1993 - 1999 / Certified Lay Speaker, United Methodist Church.
1994 - 1996 / Professional Consultant, First United Methodist Church Sunday School, Sarasota, Florida
1989 - 1992 / Representative, Charlotte County Science Committee
Last updated 2/27/09.