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Derek Bruff,
Trina McMahon,
Bennett Goldberg,
and
Henry (Rique) Campa
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/g47qek/an
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Evidence-based stem teaching for educators
According to learners, this course is a highly valuable introduction to effective teaching strategies for aspiring and new STEM faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. Students consistently praise its evidence-based approach, which provides research-backed principles for improving instruction. Many find the content, especially on active learning and inclusive teaching practices, to be incredibly timely and practical. The structured modules and the lesson planning assignment are often highlighted as particularly beneficial, enabling the immediate application of learned concepts. While overwhelmingly positive, some mention the course is introductory for those with prior pedagogical experience and that the time commitment for assignments is significant.
Constructive feedback from peers on lesson plans.
"The peer feedback on my lesson plan was incredibly helpful and provided different perspectives."
"Engaging with other students' lesson plans and receiving comments on my own was a valuable learning experience."
"I enjoyed the collaborative aspect of reviewing others' work and incorporating their suggestions."
Strong emphasis on creating equitable learning environments.
"I found the emphasis on inclusive teaching practices to be incredibly timely and well-explained."
"The module on inclusive teaching provided actionable insights for making my classroom more equitable for all students."
"This section alone made the course worthwhile, offering vital perspectives on diversity in STEM education."
Excellent foundational training for aspiring STEM faculty.
"As a new graduate student, this course provided an excellent foundation for future teaching roles."
"This course is a must-have for anyone considering a career in academia, particularly in STEM."
"I feel much more prepared to teach after completing this, especially as someone new to higher education pedagogy."
Strong foundation in research-backed teaching principles.
"I appreciated the research-backed principles; it gave strong credibility to the advice provided."
"The course's focus on evidence-based strategies made all the concepts feel incredibly robust and trustworthy."
"It’s great to learn teaching methods supported by solid research, rather than just anecdotal advice."
Course provides strategies immediately applicable to teaching.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"The lesson planning assignment was immensely practical and helped me synthesize the material for my own courses."
"This course truly shifted my perspective on how to approach teaching STEM subjects effectively."
Course requires dedication, especially for assignments.
"The workload, especially the final lesson plan and peer reviews, requires a dedicated time commitment."
"Be prepared to allocate sufficient time for the assignments; they are thorough but demanding."
"I had to manage my time carefully to complete the peer assessments and the final project effectively."
May be basic for those with prior teaching experience.
"Some parts felt a bit basic, as I already had some pedagogical training, but still a good refresher."
"While comprehensive, it's definitely an introduction, so experienced educators might find some topics familiar."
"I was hoping for a deeper dive into certain areas, but it serves well as a foundational overview."
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 basic principles of learning and cognition
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of learning and cognition can help you design more effective teaching strategies and create a more engaging learning environment for your students.
Browse courses on
Learning Theories
Show steps
-
Read articles or books on learning theories and cognition.
-
Attend a workshop or webinar on the topic.
-
Discuss learning theories and cognition with colleagues or peers.
Follow tutorials on inclusive teaching strategies
Show steps
Following tutorials can help you learn about and implement inclusive teaching practices that create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
Browse courses on
Inclusive Teaching
Show steps
-
Find tutorials on inclusive teaching strategies online or through professional development programs.
-
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts.
-
Apply the strategies you learn to your own teaching.
Review "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
Show steps
Reviewing this book can help you enhance your communication, interpersonal skills, and understand social psychology, which are all valuable for effective teaching.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify specific strategies and techniques that you can apply to your teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve practice problems on STEM teaching best practices
Show steps
Solving practice problems can reinforce your understanding of effective teaching strategies and help you develop critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
STEM Education
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Work through the problems carefully, taking notes on your solutions.
-
Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Design a lesson plan for an interactive STEM lesson
Show steps
Creating a lesson plan will help you apply the principles of effective teaching and course design to your own teaching practice.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
-
Identify the learning objectives for your lesson.
-
Choose appropriate teaching strategies and activities that align with your learning objectives.
-
Develop assessments to measure student learning.
Engage in peer feedback on teaching practices
Show steps
Engaging in peer feedback can provide you with valuable insights into your teaching practices and help you identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Peer Feedback
Show steps
-
Find a peer who is also interested in improving their teaching.
-
Observe each other's teaching and provide feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
-
Reflect on the feedback you receive and make changes to your teaching accordingly.
Attend a conference or workshop on STEM education
Show steps
Attending conferences and workshops can provide you with opportunities to learn from other STEM educators, share your own ideas, and network with potential collaborators.
Browse courses on
STEM Education
Show steps
-
Identify conferences or workshops that align with your interests.
-
Register for the event and make travel arrangements.
-
Attend the sessions and take notes on key takeaways.
-
Connect with other attendees and exchange contact information.
Review basic principles of learning and cognition
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of learning and cognition can help you design more effective teaching strategies and create a more engaging learning environment for your students.
Browse courses on
Learning Theories
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles or books on learning theories and cognition.
- Attend a workshop or webinar on the topic.
- Discuss learning theories and cognition with colleagues or peers.
Follow tutorials on inclusive teaching strategies
Show steps
Following tutorials can help you learn about and implement inclusive teaching practices that create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.
Browse courses on
Inclusive Teaching
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials on inclusive teaching strategies online or through professional development programs.
- Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts.
- Apply the strategies you learn to your own teaching.
Review "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
Show steps
Reviewing this book can help you enhance your communication, interpersonal skills, and understand social psychology, which are all valuable for effective teaching.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify specific strategies and techniques that you can apply to your teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve practice problems on STEM teaching best practices
Show steps
Solving practice problems can reinforce your understanding of effective teaching strategies and help you develop critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
STEM Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Work through the problems carefully, taking notes on your solutions.
- Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Design a lesson plan for an interactive STEM lesson
Show steps
Creating a lesson plan will help you apply the principles of effective teaching and course design to your own teaching practice.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the learning objectives for your lesson.
- Choose appropriate teaching strategies and activities that align with your learning objectives.
- Develop assessments to measure student learning.
Engage in peer feedback on teaching practices
Show steps
Engaging in peer feedback can provide you with valuable insights into your teaching practices and help you identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on
Peer Feedback
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer who is also interested in improving their teaching.
- Observe each other's teaching and provide feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
- Reflect on the feedback you receive and make changes to your teaching accordingly.
Attend a conference or workshop on STEM education
Show steps
Attending conferences and workshops can provide you with opportunities to learn from other STEM educators, share your own ideas, and network with potential collaborators.
Browse courses on
STEM Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify conferences or workshops that align with your interests.
- Register for the event and make travel arrangements.
- Attend the sessions and take notes on key takeaways.
- Connect with other attendees and exchange contact information.
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:
Learning Scientist
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.
Instructional Designer
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.
Educational Researcher
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.
Science Teacher
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.
Math Teacher
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.
Curriculum Developer
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.
Education Consultant
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.
Corporate Trainer
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.
Teacher
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.
Researcher
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.
Consultant
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Program Manager
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.
Instructional Coach
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.
Principal
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g47qek/an
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching.
Provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based teaching practices, covering topics such as learning principles, course design, assessment, and classroom management. It valuable resource for both new and experienced instructors.
Save
Explores the science of learning, providing insights into how students learn best. It covers topics such as memory, motivation, and metacognition, and offers practical tips for improving teaching and learning.
This report from the National Research Council provides a framework for STEM education, outlining the key principles and practices that are essential for effective STEM teaching.
Save
Explores the scholarship of teaching and learning, providing insights into the research and practices that are essential for effective teaching.
Provides practical advice and strategies for college teaching. It covers topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment.
Explores culturally responsive teaching, providing insights into the research and practices that are essential for promoting equity and inclusion in education.
Provides a practical guide to teaching science in middle and secondary schools. It covers topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment.
Explores the use of problem-solving in mathematics teaching. It provides practical tips and examples for implementing problem-solving in the classroom.
Provides practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. It covers topics such as building relationships with students, creating a positive learning environment, and addressing individual needs.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g47qek/an
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Effort
4 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Cornell University
Instructors
Derek Bruff
Trina McMahon
Bennett Goldberg
Henry (Rique) Campa
Language
English
Transcript
English
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