An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching from edX

This course is designed to provide future STEM faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows with an introduction to effective teaching strategies and the research that supports them.

The goal of the eight-week course is to equip the next generation of STEM faculty to be effective teachers, thus improving the learning experience for the thousands of students they will teach.

The course draws on the expertise of experienced STEM faculty, educational researchers, and staff from university teaching centers, many of them affiliated with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), a network of research universities collaborating in the preparation of STEM graduate students and post-docs as future faculty members.

What you'll learn

Key learning principles such as the role of mental models in learning and the importance of practice and feedback
Fundamental elements of course design, including the development of learning objectives and assessments of learning aligned with those objectives
Teaching strategies for fostering active learning and inclusive classroom environments

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces key principles for effective STEM teaching from experienced faculty and educational researchers

Provides practical guidance on course design and assessment, empowering future faculty to enhance student learning

Emphasizes active learning and inclusive teaching practices, fostering an engaging and equitable learning environment

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching with these activities:

Review high school physics

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Refresh your understanding of basic physics concepts to strengthen your foundation for this STEM course.

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Review your notes or textbook from high school physics.
Identify areas where your understanding is weak.
Seek out online resources or tutorials to fill in any gaps.
Practice solving problems to test your understanding.

Solve practice problems in physics and math

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills essential for STEM subjects.

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Identify problem areas through homework assignments or practice tests.
Seek out additional practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
Work through the problems methodically, checking your solutions.
Analyze your mistakes to identify areas for improvement.

Follow online tutorials on coding or data analysis

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Enhance your technical skills by exploring online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on coding or data analysis techniques.

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Identify specific areas where you need to improve your skills.
Search for reputable online tutorials that cover those topics.
Follow the tutorials carefully, completing all exercises and assignments.
Experiment with the concepts learned to build your understanding.

Four other activities

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Join or form a study group with classmates

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Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding through discussions, problem-solving, and shared perspectives.

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Reach out to classmates with similar interests or learning goals.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Take turns leading discussions, presenting concepts, and solving problems.
Provide constructive feedback and support to group members.

Read 'Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning'

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Gain insights into effective learning strategies to optimize your learning experience in this STEM course.

View Make It Stick: The Science of Successful... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Apply the techniques described in the book to your own studies.
Discuss the book's ideas with classmates or a study group.

Develop a lesson plan for a STEM topic

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Practice designing and organizing a lesson that effectively conveys a STEM concept, enhancing your pedagogical skills.

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Choose a specific STEM topic to focus on.
Research the topic and gather relevant materials.
Design the lesson plan, including objectives, activities, and assessments.
Peer-review the lesson plan with classmates or a mentor.
Present the lesson plan to a group of peers or students.

Tutor or mentor younger students in STEM subjects

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Solidify your understanding by sharing your knowledge and skills with others, fostering both your own and their learning.

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Identify opportunities to tutor or mentor younger students.
Prepare lesson materials and activities tailored to the students' needs.
Provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback.
Reflect on your own understanding as you explain concepts to others.

Career center

Learners who complete An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

STEM Teacher

STEM Teachers teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to students in K-12 schools. They develop lesson plans, create and implement assessments, and provide feedback to students to support their learning. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in effective teaching practices, including the use of active learning strategies and formative assessment, specifically in the context of STEM education.

See salaries and explore the career path for STEM Teacher

Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches provide support and guidance to teachers to improve their teaching practice. They observe lessons, provide feedback, and help teachers develop and implement effective teaching strategies. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in effective teaching practices and the research that supports them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Teacher

Teachers plan, organize, and deliver instruction to students in K-12 schools. They develop lesson plans, create and implement assessments, and provide feedback to students to support their learning. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in effective teaching practices, including the use of active learning strategies and formative assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designers design and develop engaging and effective learning experiences for learners of all ages. They analyze learning needs, create content, and develop assessments using a variety of methods, including online, blended, and face-to-face learning. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in learning design principles and practices, including the use of evidence-based teaching strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Experience Designer

Education Researcher

Education Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning methods, student assessment, and other educational topics. They design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and disseminate their findings to inform educational practice and policy. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in educational research principles and methodologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials, including curricula, lesson plans, and assessments. They analyze learning needs, research best practices, and create materials that align with educational standards. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in curriculum development principles and practices, including the use of evidence-based teaching strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs and materials. They analyze learning needs, design and develop instructional content, and create assessments to measure learning outcomes. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in instructional design principles and practices, including the use of evidence-based teaching strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists provide support and guidance to teachers and students on the use of educational technology. They may assist with the integration of technology into the curriculum, provide professional development, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology initiatives. This course may be useful because it provides an overview of the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide guidance and support to educational institutions and organizations on a range of issues related to teaching and learning. They may conduct needs assessments, develop educational programs and curricula, and provide professional development for teachers. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive overview of effective teaching practices and the research that supports them.

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College Instructor

College Instructors teach introductory college courses in their specialized academic discipline. They develop lesson plans, teaching materials, and assessments, and deliver instruction to students in classrooms or online. This course may be useful because it equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to design effective courses and utilize active learning strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Instructor

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services for nonprofit organizations. They may work in a variety of areas, such as education, healthcare, or social services. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in program development and evaluation principles and practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning methods, student assessment, and other educational topics. They design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and disseminate their findings to inform educational practice and policy. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in educational research principles and methodologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate educational policies and programs. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful because it provides a foundation in educational research principles and methodologies, as well as an understanding of the policymaking process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

K-12 Administrator

K-12 Administrators manage the operations of K-12 schools. They oversee academic programs, student services, and financial affairs. This course may be useful because it provides an overview of the K-12 education system and the challenges and opportunities facing K-12 administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for K-12 Administrator

Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators manage the operations of colleges and universities. They oversee academic programs, student services, and financial affairs. This course may be useful because it provides an overview of the higher education system and the challenges and opportunities facing higher education administrators.

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An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching

What you'll learn

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