Impacting Student Outcomes in Gateway STEM Courses through an Instructor Community of Practice

In this session, we will discuss the Equity Champions Community of Practice at the University of Toledo, developed through the university’s participation in the Student Experience Project. The program creates a space for instructors of first-year gateway STEM courses to learn about and assess the impact of practical, evidence-based change ideas that are grounded in social psychological research and that improve student outcomes by focusing on key constructs such as belonging, growth mindset, and social connectedness. The results from four semesters of Equity Champions show improved student experience and improved academic outcomes for students in Equity Champions’ courses in general, and for students from structurally disadvantaged groups in particular. Participants will leave with an understanding of key characteristics that encompass an instructor community of practice, connection to resources, and an understanding of how a well-organized community of practice can be a driving force for equitable change in STEM courses.