Dr. Carolyn (Bobbi) Hansen received her Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and her Doctorate from the University of Southern California. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Learning and Teaching where she specializes in courses that examine curriculum and methods for the content areas of science, social studies and mathematics. Her passion is in assisting teachers to better understand and utilize scientifically-based, instructional practices in their classrooms. Her expertise in this area has earned her numerous invitations to present at state, national and international levels focusing on Best Practices in Instruction. She was among an international team of educators invited to assist in the development of a new system of schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Current areas of research and study for Dr. Hansen focus on Project-based Learning (PBL) and Inquiry-based Learning. She has been invited to present papers in these areas at national and international conferences. Recent publications include: Achieving as an Urban School with a Global Vision: One School’s Journey to Become Internationally-minded,Impact of Professional Development on Teacher Practice: Uncovering Connections, co-published with Dr. Buczynski and Problem-Based Learning in the College Classroom.
Dr. Hansen has also been active working with educators on a variety of federal and state grants including the California Mathematics and Science Partnership (CaMSP), Teaching American History (TAH) and the National Corporation for Community Service. She has twice been awarded USD’s University Professorship, an award based on contributions in teaching, research and service.