National Journal publishes research project of Senior English Teacher Certification student Margo Eugenio

Margo Eugenio is making strides in the education field before embarking on her career as an educator.

The Senior English major with a track for Teacher Certification recently performed undergraduate research through Lamar University’s Office of Undergraduate Research with the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Mamta Singh, Ph.D., associate professor in the Teacher Education Department. Eugenio’s research is an exploratory study that focuses on “Social-Emotional Learning & Culturally Responsive Teaching: Do Preservice Teachers Have the Skill, Knowledge, & Awareness to Support Student Achievement?” and received publication in the National Social Science Journal, Volume 60, Issue 2.

“My passion for the topic began with my passion for Education,” said Eugenio. “I have always thoroughly enjoyed learning how I can best serve students in the classroom and ensure they receive an equitable education. Through that, I discovered Social-Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive  Teaching and the benefits the frameworks offer to the classroom.”

Alongside her mentor, Dr. Singh, Eugenio focused on preservice teachers’ abilities to implement these theories in their classrooms. “We conducted a literature review in which we determined the foundation and framework of these theories. We then formed a small group of preservice teachers to conduct a pre-survey to analyze their prior knowledge of these theories.”

Eugenio proceeds to explain the remainder of the project, which they gave a short lesson and activity regarding the theories, then administered a post-survey to analyze their knowledge following the lesson and activity. They also asked that the teachers briefly reflect on their thoughts and attitudes regarding the theories. From there, they determined that while most preservice teachers understand the importance of Social-Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching, they lack the knowledge and confidence to implement the theories in their future classrooms.  

“While preparing for the project, I read various scholarly articles and immersed myself in the literature, attempting to fully comprehend the nature and complexity of these theories,” said Eugenio. “I hope this research better prepares me for my job as a teacher in education. I hope I am better equipped to teach our increasingly diverse classrooms.”

When asked if she would like to recognize any professors or mentors at Lamar University for helping her on this journey, Eugenio first thanked Dr. Mamta Singh. “When I first came to Lamar University, I had no concept of research. I honestly thought research was exclusive to STEM majors. However, she informed me otherwise and has guided me through the research world for the past couple of years. Without her guidance and support, I truly would not be where I am now. Her support has shown me the potential I have, and I am eternally grateful because of that,” she said.

“I would also like to thank Lamar University’s OUR Department, specifically Dr. Cristian Bahrim and Ms. Jenna Erwin. They, like Dr. Singh, took a chance on me by giving me the resources and support for my first research project,” said Eugenio. “Without that, I would not have fallen in love with research and continued working to complete my second, now published research project. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their support, namely my father. His passion and advocacy for public education has inspired my life, and I am so excited to continue his legacy.”

Eugenio shares her advice to current students looking for research opportunities. “Make the jump. The deadline for OUR sponsorship was only three days away for my first project. I almost talked myself out of it. However, by making the jump, I landed in a position that I could not have even dreamed of. My second, more concrete, piece of advice would be to reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Research if you have any idea of a research project. They can connect you with a mentor professor to build and work on the project.”  

“Believe in yourself and your ideas,” said Eugenio. “I have encountered a fair share of critics and individuals who did not see the importance of my research. I suppose I could have stopped and refused to continue my work then; however, my passion for the project and its implications outweighed the negativity, and because of that, I am now a published author. If nothing else, I am proud of myself for the belief and confidence I had in the project and myself.”

Interested in the Teacher Education Department? Learn more here.

Looking to start your own research? Check out the Office of Undergraduate Research here.