Valerie Otero is professor of science education. Dr. Otero鈥檚 research explores the dynamic nature of the learning environment and how it influences (and is influenced by) the evolution of students鈥� ideas. She also studies prospective and practicing teachers鈥� conceptions of students鈥� prior knowledge, and teachers鈥� conceptions of the use of students鈥� prior knowledge for teaching and learning. Her teaching interests are in the areas of elementary science methods, the nature of science, and physics for prospective elementary teachers.
Dr. Otero is a member of several professional organizations such as the American Association of Physics Teachers, National Science Teachers Association, National Association of Research on Science Teaching, and the American Educational Research Association.
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Education
PhD Physics Education, University of California, San Diego & San Diego State Universities, 2001
MS Geophysics, University of California, San Diego, 1995
BS Physics, University of New Mexico, 1991