Nsec 2017 National Conference

NSEC 2017 National Conference 

 

Concurrent Session II Abstracts 

Friday, June 23, 2017, at 2:25 PM 

 

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Helping postdoctoral scientists become effective teachers: Towson Teaching Fellows Program

 

Time: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:25 PM   

 

 

 

 

Location: Iberville 

Speakers: Cindy Ghent, Towson University 

Additional Authors:  

Abstract: The Towson Teaching Fellows Program is a program that seeks to educate post-doctoral 

scientists in the pedagogy and application of teaching science at the undergraduate level. The program 

consists of a series of pedagogy seminars, covering a wide range of topics, including such concepts as 

metacognition, inquiry learning, and questioning. The Fellows then teach a lecture course. There are 

debriefing sessions held during their teaching semester to serve as an opportunity for the program 

personnel to address new issues or concerns that were not covered during the seminar series. The 

Fellows then teach another semester, giving them time to revise and refine their teaching. This is a 

spiraling program, with new cohorts being recruited each summer. Currently in its sixth year, this 

program has produced qualified part time instructors for us while providing real classroom experience 

to future faculty. 

 

Building a STEM Bridge: WISCIENCE Programs to Support STEM-Focused Students from 

Underrepresented Backgrounds in their Transition to College 

Time: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2:25 PM   

 

 

 

 

Location: Bonnet Carre 

Speakers: Greta Petersen, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Additional Authors: Jerry Whitmore, Jr., University of Wisconsin-Madison; Christopher Trimby, 

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dorothea Ledin, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Kevin Niemi, 

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Jessica TeSlaa, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Amber Robertson 

Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Janet Branchaw, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Abstract: The “unwritten” curriculum of college can prove a barrier for students from underrepresented 

backgrounds (first-generation college, racial and ethnic minorities). To address this, WISCIENCE (the 

Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement) at the University of Wisconsin-

Madison has developed a suite of offerings to support students, especially those interested in science 

and engineering fields, prior to, during, and after their first year on campus. Our pre-semester 

immersive “bootcamp”, formal courses, internships, and more, help students navigate a large, complex 

campus, as well as build a sense of community and discipline-based identity. WISCIENCE leverages cross-

campus partnerships to make this possible and operates as an incubator for innovate approaches to 

STEM (science, technology, education, and mathematics) education. 

 

 

 

 

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NSEC 2017 National Conference 

 

Concurrent Session III Abstracts 

Saturday, June 24, 2017, at 9:50 AM 

 

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STEM Education Centers as a Framework to Sustain Systemic Change of Undergraduate STEM 

Education 

Time: Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 9:50 AM 

 

 

 

 

Location: Iberville 

Speakers: Alejandro de la Puente, National Science Foundation 

Additional Authors:  

Abstract: The need to transform education beyond the development, dissemination and adoption of 

better and more inspiring teaching practices requires fundamental changes in the practices and cultures 

of universities. It requires a framework to create and sustain those changes. In this study, we analyze the 

role that STEM Education Centers (SECs) have in supporting and maintaining institutional change efforts 

to transform undergraduate STEM education. We study the literature, SECs, those where NSF funding 

has played a role in institutional change efforts, and a recent effort that has led to the creation of a 

national SEC network. 

 

Linking National and Institutional Efforts to Prepare Future STEM Faculty as Effective Teachers: 

Lessons Learned from the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) 

Time: Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 9:50 AM 

 

 

 

 

Location: Orleans 

Speakers: Ann E. Austin, Michigan State University; Lucas Hill, University of Wisconsin Madison; Jessica 

Schein, Michigan State University 

Additional Authors:  

Abstract: This session will focus on the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning 

(CIRTL), which is a National Science Foundation-funded network of 42 research-intensive universities 

that work collaboratively to improve undergraduate STEM education through the preparation of future 

faculty who are aware of and committed to using evidence-based teaching practices. Attendees will 

learn about and discuss: (1) the evidence concerning the impact of CIRTL’s teaching-focused professional 

development opportunities on participating doctoral students’ teaching confidence, teaching behaviors, 

and career interests and aspirations; (2) research-based lessons learned about how institutional leaders 

(including Teaching and Learning Center directors, STEM Center directors, faculty members, or 

administrators) can effectively draw on national professional development opportunities, communities, 

and resources such as provided through CIRTL, to enhance local teaching-related professional 

development communities (such as provided in Teaching and Learning Centers, Graduate Schools, or 

STEM Education Centers). 

 

 

 

 

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