Job title:
PhD on Astronomy Education in a Planetarium
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionPlanetariums are science centers in which the public is exposed to the fascinating world of the (night) sky. The projections on the planetarium dome allow for an immersive experience that fosters the natural interest in astronomy. Most planetariums provide also educational services and many schools organise a planetarium visit in the context of the science curriculum. The impact of these planetarium visits on learning, however, is vastly unexplored. In this project, we will focus on the apparent motion of the Sun and stars and their daily and yearly changes. Our ongoing research on students’ understanding of these apparent motions shows remarkable results: not only secondary school but also university students have difficulties explaining the apparent motions and do not use a correct model in their explanation. The goal of this project is to better understand student difficulties and the role planetarium visualisations can play to scaffold student understanding. Based on these insights, we will design and evaluate optimised learning materials to tackle the difficulties. We will do this in close collaboration with the Brussels Planetarium. By carrying out the proposed project, together with our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the international growing field of Astronomy Education Research.RequirementsResearch Field Astronomy Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Educational sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Psychological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages DUTCH Level GoodAdditional InformationBenefits
- Full-time fixed-term employment as a doctoral fellow (1 year, renewable, up to 4 years total), with an attractive fellowship.
- Member of Arenberg Doctoral School, with many opportunities for professional development
- Member of a young research group with regular opportunities to participate in international scientific conferences and interaction with international colleagues
Eligibility criteria
- you hold a master’s degree in Physics or Astronomy or Psychology or Educational Sciences – with very good study results (at least level ‘cum laude’), or will obtain this very soon
- a teacher’s degree from a university with a focus on physics education is a plus
- you have a strong interest in both education and science
- you have an excellent knowledge and command of English
- a good knowledge of Dutch is an asset (data collection with students)
- you are meticulous, systematic and persistent, but also sociable and focused on cooperation
Selection processFor more information please contact Prof. dr. Mieke De Cock, tel.: +32 16 32 42 48, mail: or Prof. dr. Wim Van Dooren, tel.: +32 16 32 57 55, mail: .
You can apply for this job no later than 30/05/2024 via theWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU Leuven Country Belgium State/Province Vlaams Brabant City Leuven Postal Code 3000 Street Leuven GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact State/ProvinceLeuven CityVlaams Brabant StreetLeuven Postal Code3000STATUS: EXPIRED
Expected salary
Location
Louvain, Brabant Flamand
Job date
Fri, 12 Apr 2024 03:28:42 GMT
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