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's inside

Learning objectives

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

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

Syllabus

Week 1 – Principles of Learning, Part 1

We start by exploring a few key learning principles that apply in all teaching contexts such as student’s prior knowledge, mental models and knowledge organization. We’ll consider the research supporting these principles and examples of how faculty implement them.

Week 2 – Principles of Learning, Part 2

We continue our exploration of learning principles that apply in all teaching contexts, Including effective ways of providing feedback to students and their motivations for learning. We’ll consider the research supporting these principles and examples of how STEM faculty put them into practice.

Week 3 – Learning Objectives

Designing an effective learning experience for students means beginning with the end in mind. This week, we will identify ways to craft learning objectives for students and discuss strategies for incorporating those objectives into your instruction.

Week 4 – Assessment of Learning

Once we have outlined and implemented our learning objectives we must consider ways of assessing those learning objectives. We will discuss strategies for designing assessments that will align with your learning goals as well as how student mindset can influence their performance on these assessments.

Week 5 – Active Learning

We beginwith a description of the benefits of active learning and how it fits into the overall learning cycle. Then, the module outlines two key features of active learning, teamwork and critical thinking, by showcasing several manifestations of active learning.

Week 6 – Inclusive Teaching

We will discuss inclusive teaching and many of the issues instructors can face when teaching classes composed of students of varying ethnicities and genders. We provide examples of teaching practices and language that can isolate certain student populations along with strategies to avoid these practices.

Week 7 – Lesson Planning

This week you will create an annotated lesson plan for a class you might teach in the future incorporating many of the principles covered in this course.

Week 8 – Conclusion

In the final week of the course, you’ll provide feedback to your peers on their lesson plans and receive feedback on your lesson plan.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches effective teaching strategies and the research that supports them

Taught by Derek Bruff, Trina McMahon, Bennett Goldberg, Henry (Rique) Campa who are recognized for their work in STEM education

Designed for future STEM faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows

Covers core elements of course design, including the development of learning objectives and assessments

Examines inclusive teaching practices to support diverse student populations

Provides opportunities for peer feedback and reflection on lesson planning

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:

Educational Researcher

An Educational Researcher conducts research on how people learn. They use this research to develop new teaching methods and materials. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as understanding learning principles, conducting research, and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer develops courses and training materials. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Learning Scientist

A Learning Scientist conducts experiments in order to develop, evaluate, and improve educational processes. They do this by using empirical data and developing theories based on that data. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Math Teacher

A Math Teacher teaches mathematics to students at the secondary school level. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the secondary school level. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs and develops educational curricula for schools and other educational institutions. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Education Consultant

An Education Consultant provides advice and support to schools and other educational institutions on how to improve their teaching and learning practices. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course can help build a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as understanding learning principles, conducting research, and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research in a variety of fields, including education, psychology, and business. They use their understanding of research methods to design and conduct studies that can help to improve our understanding of the world around us. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as conducting research and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Teacher

A Teacher teaches students at the elementary, middle, or secondary school level. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Corporate Trainer

A Corporate Trainer designs and delivers training programs for employees in businesses and organizations. They use their understanding of learning principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning, assessment, and understanding learning principles.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and support to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including education, training, and human resources. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as understanding learning principles and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as conducting research and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Instructional Coach

An Instructional Coach provides support and guidance to teachers on how to improve their teaching practices. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as understanding learning principles and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Principal

A Principal manages a school and its staff. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as understanding learning principles and developing effective teaching strategies.

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Program Manager

A Program Manager plans and manages educational programs. They use their understanding of learning principles to develop effective teaching strategies and materials. This course may be useful for building a foundation in the skills necessary for this role, such as lesson planning and developing effective teaching strategies.

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