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Leema K. Berland is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. She obtained her Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University in 2008 and has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Carleton College. Dr. Berland’s research interests lie in facilitating student engagement with sensemaking practices, emphasizing K-12 students' understanding of scientific phenomena and teachers' pedagogical approaches. She utilizes sociocultural frameworks to argue that meaningful engagement in sensemaking requires carefully structured learning activities that connect directly with learners' experiences, rather than merely following prescribed procedures for evaluation. Dr. Berland's recent work explores the dynamics of professional learning communities, particularly how educators and researchers align within contexts aimed at fostering antiracist educational environments. Her scholarly contributions include multiple significant publications in reputable journals, focusing on epistemological responsiveness and significant teaching practices in science education. Through her work, Berland aims to enhance learning communities within classrooms and supports the growth of antiracist goals within educational frameworks.
Department: Department of Computer Sciences