Advancing Learning Through Evidence-Based STEM Teaching

Course Description

"Advancing Learning Through Evidence-Based STEM Teaching" is an exceptional free online course designed to equip current and future STEM faculty members with cutting-edge, research-backed teaching strategies. This comprehensive program goes beyond traditional teaching methods, delving into innovative approaches that foster active learning, critical thinking, and collaborative environments in STEM classrooms.

What Students Will Learn

1. Effective engagement strategies for active learning, including peer instruction and problem-based learning
2. Methods to cultivate expert-like thinking in students through inquiry-based labs and related activities
3. Techniques to transform classrooms into vibrant learning communities using cooperative learning and diverse perspectives
4. Implementation of flipped classroom approaches to maximize active and collaborative learning opportunities
5. Assessment of various pedagogical strategies and their practical application in STEM education

Prerequisites

While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is recommended that participants have completed the CIRTL Network course "An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching." However, this is not mandatory, making the course accessible to educators at various levels of experience.

Course Coverage

• Active learning strategies in STEM classrooms
• Peer instruction and problem-based learning techniques
• Developing inquiry-based labs and activities
• Fostering expert-like thinking in students
• Creating collaborative learning environments
• Utilizing diverse perspectives in teaching
• Implementing flipped classroom models
• Assessing and selecting appropriate pedagogical strategies

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Current STEM faculty members looking to enhance their teaching methods
• Future STEM educators preparing for academic careers
• Graduate students in STEM fields interested in pursuing teaching roles
• Education researchers focusing on STEM pedagogy
• Anyone passionate about improving STEM education at the undergraduate level

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have immediate and long-lasting applications in the real world of STEM education:

1. Improved student engagement and retention in STEM courses
2. Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in students
3. Creation of more inclusive and diverse learning environments
4. Better preparation of students for real-world STEM careers
5. Increased effectiveness in conveying complex STEM concepts
6. Development of a more dynamic and interactive classroom experience
7. Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit various learning styles and needs
8. Contribution to the overall advancement of STEM education practices

By mastering these evidence-based teaching strategies, educators can significantly impact the quality of STEM education, ultimately producing more skilled and adaptable STEM professionals for the future workforce.