Creating Points of Transformation in SUNY STEM Education

Abstract

Studies demonstrate that use of active learning improves student retention and success, but most college instructors still rely predominantly on the passive lecture techniques that they experienced as students. To increase the use of active, student-centered teaching strategies in STEM disciplines across the SUNY system, our project will offer seven professional development opportunities. We will expand the reach of these opportunities using virtual conferencing technology and online support materials. These workshops derive from nationally renowned education reform initiatives whose leaders happen to be employed by institutions in the SUNY system. By leveraging this internal expertise, we will be able to offer these workshops in a concentrated, cost-effective, and strategic manner to maximize spread of effective STEM teaching within our system. Additionally, we can begin to investigate the levers within a statewide system of schools that can be brought to bear on supporting and incentivizing adoption of effective, evidence-based teaching practices.