Irina Igel

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About

Irina Igel is an education researcher whose work sits at the intersection of STEM pedagogy, hands-on learning, and K-12 educational innovation. Her scholarship focuses on leveraging tangible, engaging technologies — most notably LEGO robotics platforms — to strengthen mathematical and scientific understanding among young learners. In her widely noted 2020 paper "Enriching K-12 Math Education Using LEGOs," which has garnered 7 citations, Igel explores how prize-based competitions and constructivist tools can open new pathways for students to engage with otherwise challenging mathematical concepts. Complementing this, her 2020 study on LEGO Mindstorms robotics training examines how effectively preparing volunteer mentors and classroom teachers translates into richer inquiry-based learning experiences for K-12 students, contributing meaningfully to the growing literature on educator professional development in STEM contexts. Igel's research is particularly valuable for practitioners and policymakers seeking evidence-based strategies to make STEM education more accessible and motivating. Her work underscores the power of experiential, competition-driven learning environments in cultivating scientific curiosity and mathematical confidence from an early age.