April Cordero Maskiewicz, Ph.D.

• Director of the University Now Program
• Associate Professor of Biology

• Email: AprilMaskiewicz@pointloma.edu

• Phone: 619.849.2328

Education

• B.S., Biology, University of California, San Diego
• M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, University of California, San Diego
• Ph.D., Mathematics and Science Education, University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University
• Post-Doctoral: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCSD

• Maskiewicz CV

Research

My current research focuses on developing more effective approaches for teaching ecology and evolution that are grounded in the learning sciences research so that students will develop not only content knowledge, but biological ways of thinking and reasoning about the living world. I am also active in several professional development projects with K-12 teachers as well as university biology faculty. My findings contribute to the scholarly discourse in education on learning in biology and to the development of theory for reconceptualizing biology instruction.

Interests

University NOW is a biology and writing course offered to local underprivileged high school students. The goals of the program are to help students envisage themselves as college students, and to get a head start on university-level material.

Science and Faith Documentary Film

BioLogy by the Sea - Teachers' Workshop

Publications

• Maskiewicz, A. & Lineback, J. (accepted with revisions). “Misconceptions are so yesterday” (quote, President of SABER, July 2012). Life Sciences Education; CBE.

• Maskiewicz, A. (2013, April). Navigating the Challenges of Teaching Responsively: An Insider's Perspective. Paper presented at National Association of Research in Science Teaching - San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• Maskiewicz, A. & Winters, V. (2012). Understanding the Co-Construction of Inquiry Practices: A Case Study of a Responsive Teaching Environment. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 49(4), 429-464.

• Maskiewicz, A., Griscom, H. & Welch, N. (2012). Using targeted active-learning exercises and diagnostic question clusters to improve students’ understanding of carbon cycling in ecosystems. Life Sciences Education; CBE,11, 58-67.

• Hartley, L., Momsen, J., Maskiewicz, A. & D’Avanzo, C. (2012). Energy and matter: Differences in discourse in physical and biological sciences can be confusing for introductory biology students. BioScience, 62(5), 488-496.

• Alvarado, M. & Maskiewicz, A.  (2011). Teaching High School Physiology Using a Popular TV Medical Drama.  The American Biology Teacher, 73(6), 322-328.

• Maskiewicz, A. & Winters, V.  (2010). Interpreting elementary science teacher responsiveness through epistemological framing. In Gomez, K., Lyons, L., & Radinsky, J. (Eds.) Learning in the Disciplines: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2010) - Volume 1, Full Papers. International Society of the Learning Sciences: Chicago IL.

• Maskiewicz, A. (2006). Applying DNR-based instruction to the learning and teaching of ecology. Paper presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching – San Francisco, California.

• Maskiewicz, A., Guelman, C., & Goldberg, F. (2004). Teachers’ understanding of their role as learning facilitators in “making sense” discussions. Paper presented: National Association of Research in Science Teaching –Vancouver, Canada.

• Fisher, K. & Maskiewicz, A. (2002). A blended model for college science teaching on the internet: As affordable and time-convenient but more interactive than lectures.  Paper presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science – Pacific Division, Hawaii.