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STEERing a Systemic Path to Improved College STEM Teaching

Friday, November 4, 2022

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Potomac I&II

Presenter(s)

RP

Robert Potter

Senior Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences; Professor of Chemistry
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

HB

Hikmat BC

Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Physics
Hillsborough Community College, United States
PS

Peter Stiling (he/him/his)

Professor of Biology
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
CB

Catherine Beneteau

Professor of Mathematics
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
Ruthmae Sears

Associate Professor of Mathematics Education
University of South Florida, United States
SC

Scott Campbell

Professor of Engineering
University of South Florida, United States
GM

Gerry Meisels

Professor Emeritus Chemistry
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
TH

Tim Henkel

Director Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning; Associate Professor of Biology
University of South Florida, United States

Program Abstract: A diverse and dedicated team changes the culture of STEM teaching by using incentives, recognition, and persistence, resulting in sustainable improvements in college-level STEM education. We will present the context, processes, and results of seven years of progress at a large public R1 university and a large partner Hispanic-serving community college. The project was supported in part by an National Science Foundation-sponsored IUSE project. Repeatable, transferable programs for STEM teaching improvements were developed by multipronged, iterative approaches of team-designed interventions that are modified based on outcomes and circumstances. Strategies included a speaker series and workshops, peer observation program, learning communities, course modification incentives, departmental and interdisciplinary retreats, special scholars’ recognition, space and technology support, travel awards, transfer student peer advising, and graduate student professional development. Application of timely, combined iterative approaches, sensitive to context, from a well-informed, engaged, and influential team has been key to progress.