I truly enjoy the annual CSSE conference; it is a time to reconnect with scholars across Canada as well as encounter new scholars and ideas. While I opted to spend much of my time with the Science Education Research Group (SERG-GRÈS), I also had the chance to debate and discuss teacher workload, teacher education, evil and immortality projects, kindergarten teacher expectations, Pokémon Go in math class, and perceptions on “Swiftmas”. A particular highlight for me was a lively discussion at the CCGSE roundtables on Monday morning. From these experiences, and the conference in general, I came away with three realizations on the impact of my experience: the importance of (1) learning about your field, (2) networking, and (3) being involved.
As a graduate student, I am always seeking more information in my field and exploring what else is around. During CSSE, I encountered new ideas in science education such as “egomorphism” in learning with dolphins, the “teachers in action project” out of Memorial University, as well as the history of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) in both Canada and the USA and how these histories influence our views of science today. All of these ideas provoked new ideas, prompting me to ask new questions and explore new angles of my current research in physics education. Thank you CSSE for providing a new avenue to explore and discuss our fields in education.
Secondly, it is important to network within your field and CSSE provides an avenue for this. CSSE is an open and supportive network, and this year I was privileged enough to meet some fellow physics education researchers; we are a small group in Canada. Over the course of the conference, we discussed ideas in physics education, both secondary and post-secondary, and the role for those who study physics education in the Canadian research context. These contacts will be invaluable to my future as a physics education researcher and I look forward to developing these academic relationships further. Thank you CSSE for providing me a valuable networking opportunity.
Finally, it is important to be involved in our academic landscapes. This year, I was approached to be a graduate student representative in SERG- GRÈS, a role I gladly accepted. While it is easy to be a part of any research community, becoming involved provides an opportunity to develop deeper connections. With my brief involvement in SERG- GRÈS, I have already had the opportunity to voice some of my ideas and contribute to this academic community. Thank you CSSE for providing me this new opportunity to become involved in science education research in Canada.
As I finish reflecting on my experience at CSSE 2017, I am grateful to have grown in both the formal and informal spaces available at CSSE. Taking the time to decompress, with both existing and new contacts, provided opportunities just as fruitful as those sessions I attended. The conversations held throughout Toronto, beyond the campus of Ryerson University, provided even more opportunity to explore and discuss education and educational research. I look forward to next year, CSSE 2018, and the informal and formal learning we will all take part in Regina, SK.
Ellen Watson
University of Alberta
@sneakyfritz