Cognitive Science Research Can Improve Undergraduate STEM Instruction: What Are the Barriers?

This article explores the directions needed to facilitate widespread adoption of the findings of cognitive science (CS) into undergraduate instruction in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The emerging research tradition of STEM discipline-based education research (DBER) is introduced briefly, with a focus on physics education research (PER). Examples of cognitive science research that are beginning to affect classroom practice are introduced, as well as examples that have direct implications for improving STEM instructional practices, yet remain largely unknown in the STEM community. Two barriers slow the implementation of CS findings in undergraduate STEM instruction. The first is lack of communication between cognitive science and STEM DBER researchers. The second is that, even when strong curricula and instructional practices are developed, there are many structural obstacles that make it difficult for STEM instructors to implement new instructional strategies. We provide an overview of current efforts to overcome these structural obstacles, and suggest policy implications for the cognitive science and DBER research communities that could facilitate the development, evaluation, and adoption of research-based instructional strategies in STEM undergraduate education.