Dr. Paula Waatainen

I research how teachers can design more authentic ways of assessing the growth of competencies in their students instead of relying solely on pencil and paper tests and papers. I also research how engaging students in real-world problems and processes, like local urban planning consultations and powerful simulations, can help build competencies associated with active, participatory citizenship. In my research, I think it’s important to get into classrooms and work directly with teachers to design learning activities and assessments that respond to best practice in assessment and social studies education.