UNAZI, IRENE
CULTURE & WELLBEING | EDUCATION | PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY STUDIES | SCIENCE EDUCATION | STEM
I am currently a PhD student at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, and a teaching assistant in the Department of Biology. My previous research focused on exploring women’s participation in STEMM education in a phallocentric Nigeria. I employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to analyze the effects of religious beliefs and cultural practices on women’s participation in STEMM education in Nigeria.
Currently, in the Biology Education Research Lab (BLAM), my research focuses on active learning in STEM education, exploring how innovative teaching strategies can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. My major contributions include studies on Just-in-Time Teaching and responsive teaching, which adapt instructional methods based on immediate student feedback. My methodological approach emphasizes collaborative instructional strategies, such as peer learning and group discussions, and the use of evidence-based practices to improve biology teaching and learning.
I am passionate about understanding factors that motivate students, particularly in introductory biology courses, and strive to develop teaching methods that foster critical thinking and metacognitive skills.