Thesis project:

Exploring the potential for enhancing spatial ability through spatially challenging STEAM project work and formative assessment

Background and objectives of the thesis project:

You will develop and study spatially challenging design projects and tools for formative assessments of spatial capability. Although spatial thinking is relevant for design learning, little is known about how it can be developed explicitly during design project work.  Although pupils differ in spatial capability, teachers lack instruments to diagnosis their current level, design tasks are not accordingly adapted while feedforward is also lacking. A design-based research approach will be applied to develop and test innovative approaches using qualitative case-studies augmented with pre- and post-tests of spatial ability giving insight in enablers and disablers of spatial capability.

About SellSTEM

Spatially Enhanced Learning Linked to STEM (SellSTEM) is an international research and training network funded by MSCA-ITN under H2020. It aims to find new ways to raise the spatial ability levels of boys and especially girls across Europe so they are better prepared for the cognitive demands of STEM education. SellSTEM has 15 ESR positions spread across three work packages. The SellSTEM network consists of 10 universities and 8 non-academic partners in Europe.  SellSTEM will implement best practice in doctoral training through a carefully developed and comprehensive training programme and secondment of ESRs to different SellSTEM partners. For more details visit sellstem.eu.

Applicants should be highly motivated individuals who are able to work interdisciplinary at the cutting edge of Design Education and Spatial Ability Training. You should have good spatial skills and  hold a Master’s degree in either Design Studies, Educational Science or Pedagogy. Applicants with specific research experience in Spatial Ability Education holding a different Master are invited as well. Some educational experience with eight to twelve year old’s is required. Candidates should have the ability to work independently and in collaboration with others, and have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desirable criteria

Fluency in Dutch or German, experience in design-based research or in qualitative research methodologies as well as experience with educational design, formative assessment, classroom experience are desirable.

Fixed-term contract: 4.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year.

During the first 3 years of the appointment the candidate will have the status of Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow and salary will be augmented by a mobility allowance, a living allowance and, if applicable, a family allowance in line with the TU Delft rules and EC rules for Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant holders.

As a PhD candidate you will receive training opportunities organized by the international training network of SellSTEM aiming at the development of transferable, interdisciplinary, discipline-related and research skills in the field of STEAM and Spatial Ability. You are also offered additional training from the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators and are known for our research on primary and secondary design and technology education.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For information about the Science Education and Communication Research Group and the related Science Hub:

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences/about-faculty/departments/science-education-and-communication/science-education/science-education-research