research overview
- Duncan's main research focuses on the effectiveness of different ways of teaching science, particularly how technology improves or in some cases reduces student learning. He was invited to contribute a review chapter to a new book published by the American Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics, entitled 'Technology and Engagement in the University Classroom.' Duncan's research is directly applicable to universities, science museums, and planetariums. He often presents it in regular talks (colloquia) but also in workshops and in an advisory capacity. He continues researching ways to make planetarium teaching more active, for instance by giving students a challenge where they must figure out where on earth they are. His 'Survivor' and 'Where are we in the Galaxy?' activities have been adopted as regular labs in the Department. Duncan delivered an invited talk at the first International Conference on Astronomy teaching in Germany in fall 2019.