March 24, 2018. Download all abstracts from Innovations in Teaching Symposium
Boxes, Bumps and Breakfasts: Object Lessons for Teaching Human-Centered Research and Analysis
Presented by Tamara Peyton, Harrisburg University
Abstract
The interdisciplinary fields of Computer Engineering and Human Computer Interaction are increasingly faced with developing human-centered solutions faster, with fewer project members. As a result, while learning the process of design, students feel pressured to just go ahead and start building as quickly as possible. This is not the right approach, as students will then ignore the crucial problem identification phase of any project. In order to foster the right human-centered mindset in students, it is often necessary to get them to think outside the box, break down the bumps, and collaborate over breakfast. In this talk, I’ll share with you three different object lessons I’ve used in the classroom that wake students up to the need to think before they make. No tech skill needed!
Tamara Peyton_STEM-UP PA Teaching Symposium – TPeyton – Boxes Bumps & Breakfasts
Getting to Know Your Students Through Reflective Writing Assignments
Presented by Dana Olanoff, Widener University
Abstract
An important aspect of teaching is being able to build on your students’ understandings and present material in a way that helps them learn. In order to do this, it is essential to know what their understandings are and how they learn best. In this session, I will share some reflective writing assignments that I have used in my classes in order to get to know my students and get feedback from them about the aspects of the class that they enjoy as well as those that they want changed. I will discuss how I use the students’ writing to help myself more clearly articulate my teaching goals and communicate them with the class. We will end the session by brainstorming some different ways that professors in classes of various sizes could incorporate some reflective writing into their own classrooms.
Dana Olanoff_Getting to Know Your Students Through Reflective Writing
Teaching with the SimGlobal System
Presented by John McKnight, Harrisburg University
Abstract
SimGlobal is a game system for teaching undergrad social science courses via simulation and roleplay, developed at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania, US. It offers a dynamic, engaging means of teaching critical thinking and interdisciplinarity while being adaptable to curriculum goals and instructor expertise. This workshop will cover the development and mechanics of this non-digital game system, and provide hands-on experience with gameplay for up to 15 participants.
The workshop is intended as an introduction to the system for anyone seeking to reorganize a course around a full-semester immersive experience. It will provide participants with the ability to apply simple and robust game mechanics to a course; to develop embedded assessment tools for a range of core skills and advanced subject matter knowledge; to develop scenario tools at minimum expense; to apply mechanics from live-action roleplay to ensure student engagement, immersion, and participation safety; and to gain an appreciation for the student experience within the SimGlobal system.
In this workshop, the designer and a facilitator will discuss the origins of the SimGlobal system for live action roleplay of a response to a complex humanitarian/natural disaster scenario in the undergraduate classroom. We will address scenario creation, learning objectives, assessment tools, and lessons learned from the assessment of data collected during the initial runs of the system in senior-level courses at a STEM university.
We address issues identified in the literature addressing entertainment and artistic live-action roleplay and serious gaming, and their impact on a student learning environment, along with the challenges of teaching within a semester-long immersive roleplay environment. We will explain game mechanics, technological augmentations to a core tabletop system, and the role of a facilitator in the SimGlobal system.
Attendees will be asked to roleplay as humanitarian response specialists called on to address a natural disaster, using the SimGlobal game system and scenarios to challenge leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking in a crisis. We will debrief to brainstorm refinements and opportunities for attendees to adapt our techniques in their classrooms. SimGlobal is a non-commercial product in prototype, and all our materials are publicly available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Making a Case for Real World Application
Presented by Stacy Goodman, Lebanon Valley College
Abstract
Case studies can be a useful tool to encourage students to apply what they learn over the rote memorization of facts. Whether through the use of interrupted studies or simulations, students develop critical thinking skills while working in a collaborative environment. I will discuss some pedagogical resources that I have found useful for my upper-level Animal Behavior and Human Physiology courses and the benefits of incorporating even short casework activities into the classroom and laboratory.
Peer Review of Writing to Improve Scientific Communication
Presented by Susannah Gal, Penn State Harrisburg
Abstract
In teaching a laboratory class, I found the laboratory reports were filled with English language mistakes and didn’t use the type of scientific writing I wanted. I was taking a lot of time to grade these reports and seeing the same mistakes over and over again. Then, I was fortunate to attend a workshop about peer review with a creative writing faculty on our campus. We worked on what specific expectations I had for the writing and created a peer review guide that provided those expectations with examples of what to do and not. I then implemented peer review in class with the students providing each other comments 1 week before the reports were due. This had many positive outcomes for me and for the students. I have since applied this approach to other writing classes in both science and non-science contexts. Specific examples of the peer review guide will be provided at the workshop.
Peer review for Honors Personal Statement 2018
Online Rubric-Based Grading Tool for STEM Exams
Presented by Sara Atwood, Elizabethtown College
Abstract
In this session, we will present our experiences using an online grading tool in engineering courses. The tool helped facilitate feedback that was prompt, equitable, explanatory and formative, as well as streamlining programmatic assessment. Using this tool, faculty can transform how effectively they grade and give feedback in their courses.
Flipped Classes in Civil Engineering: Really Useful ?
Presented by Roger Subramanian, m Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg
Abstract
Flipping the class means changing the traditional style of teaching (via lectures) to facilitate self-learning through engaging the students. The students’ attention span is as short as 15 minutes; hence, the traditional lecturing does not promote effective learning. Sometimes, it looks chaos when 50 or more students interact with each other to try to solve engineering problems to arrive at the right solution. Nevertheless, at the end of the class period, the number of students that learn right improves a lot. This presentation explores the different ways of flipping classes through different case studies and the personal experiences of flipping classes for the past 6 years of teaching at Penn State. Also, the pros and cons of flipping of classes will be discussed in this presentation.
Tutoring with Tilapia: The Cross-Curricular Use of Aquaculture with Urban Students
Presented by Steven G. Hughes, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Abstract
Though aquaculture has been an integral part of world agriculture for over 3,000 years, it is only within the past two decades that it has been viewed as a major component of classroom education. Though many urban students and educators are not familiar with aquaculture, this branch of agriculture presents many opportunities for engaging students in STEM through its use of natural sciences, innovative technology and math while also providing professional development opportunities for our educators. A discussion of the cross-curricular use of this science will be presented while also trying to enlighten educators on some of the difficulties with incorporating aquaculture into urban educational systems.
Steven G. Hughes_Tutoring with Tilapia – Aquaculture for Urban Students
Strategies for Gaining Student Buy-in
Presented by Deborah Gochenaur, Shippensburg University
Abstract
Students struggle in our courses for many reasons. Early identification of at-risk students, and working with them on a plan of action for the course, can make the difference between students passing or having to retake the course. There are a number of strategies that are useful in getting student buy-in for Action Plans; without their buy-in, the Action Plan will not be implemented. During this session, I will discuss strategies for getting students to buy-in, as well as follow-up strategies and some anecdotal results from my own work with Action Plans.
STEM UP PA Innovation_Strategies for Gaining Student Buy-in_2018 Mar 24
STEM UP PA Innovation_Strategies for Gaining Student Buy-in_Day 1 PPt options
Using a Synthesis Matrix to Improve Information Literacy and Scientific Writing Skills
Presented by Tiffany Frey and Heather Lehman, Dickinson College
Abstract
As science educators, we often want our undergraduate level students to execute higher order skills such as the analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of data. These skills require the ability to select and appraise appropriate sources (information literacy skills) and also to be able to compare and ultimately synthesize information from those sources. We have found that the use of a synthesis matrix as either a classroom activity or out of class assignment is useful in teaching these skills. A synthesis matrix is a table that can be used to organize key information from multiple references. We have used it in various classes at all levels of the curriculum to help students 1) find appropriate sources, 2) focus attention on key information in each source, 3) evaluate the information in each source, 4) synthesize information from multiple sources, and 4) come to a conclusion based on multiple perspectives. Specific examples will be provided during the presentation.
Teaching as Learning – An Alternative Lab Approach
Presented by Kathryn Shirk, Shippensburg University
Abstract
Students enrolled in Shippensburg University’s Introductory Physics (algebra-based) and Intermediate Physics (calculus-based) lecture courses are encouraged to concurrently enroll in Introductory Physics Laboratory. This lab course is often taught by a professor other than their lecture professor and can draw students from all lecture sections. Student preparedness and comprehension of the material to be covered in the lab can vary widely. To mitigate this, I have introduced open-note prelab quizzes and short post-lab reflection papers. Our traditional lab structure includes a brief lecture on the topic at hand and equipment used, followed by pairs of students collecting data and filling in tables or graphs included in the lab handout. In fall 2017, I offered an alternative lab assignment to select sections of Introductory Physics Lab in conjunction with Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. The college students still completed the pre-lab quiz, and they were given the brief lecture and instructions in their usual classroom. Students then took their lab equipment to a classroom in the elementary school where pairs of college students were teamed with pairs (or more) of elementary students. The college students attempted to complete data collection with the elementary student’s help. College students completed a survey after the experience instead of the usual post-lab reflection paper. It is unclear whether this approach allowed students to learn and retain the material covered in lab any better than the traditional lab approach. However, qualitative results indicate that student attitudes and confidence in the material did improve. This study impacted only 48 of approximately 200 students enrolled in introductory physics labs, so further studies are needed.
Bridging the Gap Between the Older Generation and Millennials
Presented by Marcia Prince-Cuffe, East Stroudsburg University
Abstract
Every generation is compared to its predecessors. The Millennial generation is no exception. Generational differences manifest in all areas of life, inclusive of the college classroom where instructors are tasked with the responsibility of facilitating learning. Differences between the older and the millennial generation in values, in perspectives, and in teaching and learning styles can result in educational gaps that impede student learning.
As a member of the older generation—Generation X, technology use and communication methods differ from those of the Millennial. While my use of technology to complete daily activities has experienced an upward trajectory, its usage remains limited and is punctuated by the shadow of the reliable pen and paper. To interact with others, a telephone call, face to face dialogue, or a hand-written letter remain highly-valued and sought-after means of communication. The former is in sharp contrast to the modus operandi of the Millennial generation. As they navigate their way through life, “Millennials have no memory of a world without the World Wide Web, cell phones, or personal computers. They are an Internet-surfing, iPoding, texting, Googling, Facebooking, and IMing generation. They have come of age during a time of dramatic technological changes in our society. Just consider the fact that the cell phone has become the fastest-adopted invention in the history of humankind. For many of them, texting and instant messaging have become the chosen methods of communication. Perhaps most of all, they have been plugged into one or another electronic device since they were toddlers” (Nevid). These differences, present in the college classroom, can create teaching and learning gaps that require bridging.
To bridge the possible learning divide, it is important to understand what makes the Millennial tick. To effectively teach them, Nevid suggests that “…we need to reevaluate how we reach them and teach them both inside and outside the classroom.” Recommended methodologies include amending the current lecture format, using technologically enhanced lessons, applying principles of psychology, and encouraging peer collaboration. Work Consulted: Nevid, Jeffery. “Teaching the Millennials .” Association for Psychological Science, May/June 2011, www.psychologicalscience.org/.
Marcia Prince-Cuffe_Bridging the Gap_OlderGenerationAndMillennialsv2