Tablet PCs, Interactive Teaching, and Integrative Advising Promote STEM Success Ms. Cathy Lysy Dr. Carla Romney Dr. Juan Pedro Paniagua Dr. Fabian Torres-Ardila Science and Engineering Program FYE- February 2011
Motivation for Integrating Academic Advising with Mathematics Instruction 2009 Freshman Survey findings One-third of respondents indicated that they planned to pursue a STEM major upon matriculation. Less than half of the students who specify an interest in STEM upon college entry actually earn a STEM degree within five years. Students who initially entered undergraduate STEM programs had substantially lower degree completion rates (regardless of major) than their same-race peers who entered other fields. Hurtado et al. //heri.ucla.edu/nih/HERI_ResearchBrief _OL_2010_STEM.pdf FYE- February 2011
Motivation for Integrating Academic Advising with Mathematics Instruction We postulate that…. success and retention in STEM disciplines during the freshman year is dependent on effective advising and student achievement in mathematics. FYE- February 2011
Science and Engineering Program (SEP) Founded in the 1980’s, SEP’s mission is to enhance students’ skills in introductory science and engineering subjects, thus improving academic performance and likelihood of professional success. A two year transitional program for high school graduates who do not receive direct admission to the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Engineering are referred to SEP. FYE- February 2011
SEP’s Unique Characteristics Two-year program within a four-year institution. Small class sizes. Collaborative team environment. Open and accessible culture. Student access to University-wide resources. Individualized academic planning and advising. FYE- February 2011
College of Arts and Sciences Majors College of Engineering Majors Astronomy Biomedical Astronomy & Physics Computer Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Electrical Biology Mechanical Chemistry Computer Science Earth Sciences Economics & Mathematics Environmental Analysis & Policy Environmental Science Geophysics & Planetary Sciences Geography Marine Science Mathematics Mathematics & Computer Science Mathematics & Philosophy Neuroscience Philosophy & Physics Physics FYE- February 2011
SEP students may pursue pre-medical, pre-dentistry, pre- optometry, and pre-veterinary programs of study along with a science or engineering major. SEP students are guaranteed continuation at College of Arts and Sciences or College of Engineering provided that they earn a grade of C or higher in science, mathematics, and major courses and possess a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher at the end of the sophomore year. FYE- February 2011
Interactive Mathematics Classroom with Tablet PCs Instructor produces recording of each class session that integrates prepared PPT slides, instructor’s in-class annotations on slides, student work, and all classroom discussion for post-class review. FYE- February 2011
Advantages for Students Who Use Tablet PCs Easier to take notes on teacher’s PowerPoint slides, without having to focus on copying from the board. Fewer transcription errors lead to less confusion. Peer critiquing/collaborative problem-solving and learning. Saves paper and printing costs. FYE- February 2011
Advantages for Faculty Who Use Tablet PCs More interesting presentation than PowerPoint slides since it develops in real time. Easier to engage students in problem-solving. Easier to observe/correct student work. Permanent record of class work for review by students/colleagues. FYE- February 2011
FACULTY PARENTS/GUARDIANS ACADEMIC ADVISING SEP STUDENTS ARE STEM STARS! BU COMMUNITY UNIVERSITY SERVICES FYE- February 2011
Faculty Genuine desire to see students succeed. Possess a love of and passion for teaching. Share information with colleagues, students, and parents. Committed to the centrality of academic and personal advising as vital to student success. Provide long-term and short-term mentoring. FYE- February 2011
Academic Advising Teach Freshmen Advising Seminar. Provide personal and academic support. Establish non-threatening relationships with students. Monitor student progress and make referrals to support services. Participate in community-building events. FYE- February 2011
Boston University Community BU provides unlimited opportunities for academic and personal growth. SEP’s vibrant and diverse community supports varied interests. BU Women in Science & Engineering (BU WISE) specialty housing. BU Undergraduate Research Program (UROP). FYE- February 2011
University Services Extensive University support services: Educational Resource Center Office of Disability Services Office of Residence Life Center for Career Development International Students and Scholars Office University Service Center Student Health Services, Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Safety Campus Ministries SEP maintains collaborative relationships with all University Services. FYE- February 2011
Parents/Guardians Parents are encouraged to communicate with students to support student academic and personal success. Participate in Homecoming Weekend and attend SEP Advising Seminar. Boston University Parents Program nurtures the BU spirit in home states/countries. Parents value SEP’s “tough love” personal approach. FYE- February 2011
Tablet PCs in Mathematics: Measuring Effectiveness • Small class sizes make it difficult to detect changes in performance. • Early Indicators: – Attendance – Instructor Evaluation – Course Management Website Use • Late Indicators: – Retention in STEM – Graduation FYE- February 2011
Instructor Evaluation and Attendance Data • Tablet vs. Non Tablet: – Instructor Evaluation- 4.66 vs. 4.83 – Attendance improved- 99% vs. 96% FYE- February 2011
Course Website Utilization FYE- February 2011
Change in Course Website Utilization FYE- February 2011
Student Performance Number C- or less Withdrawals Non Tablet 56 8 5 (2005/2006/2007) Tablet (2008/2009) 50 5 3 FYE- February 2011
Student Retention in STEM Tablet PC Non Tablet PC % in STEM % in STEM End of 1 st Semester 98 93 End of 1 st Year 74 49 End of 2 nd Year 63 33 FYE- February 2011
The Future • Find better indicators of student performance and retention. • Improve simulations of challenging concepts. • Expand Tablet PC offerings. • Share technology for face-to-face and distance learning – GMS: Seminar in Clinical Research – GMS: Healthcare Emergency Management Courses – ENG: Circuit Analysis FYE- February 2011
Challenges Weak academic preparation and financial pressures. Athletics, employment, ROTC, and other significant commitments impede academic success. Discouragement due to rigor of programs. Need to improve study and time management skills. Lack of knowledge of STEM fields and career paths. Faculty Recruitment. FYE- February 2011
MET EK 100 SEP ADVISING SEMINAR Sept. 11 How to Succeed as a Science or Engineering Major Sept. 18 Establish Your Foundation for Learning Sept. 25 CAS and ENG Departments: Treasures and Surprises Oct. 12 Academic Skills and Strategies: Succeed and Have Fun Oct. 16 Don’t Stress About It: Stress Management Oct. 23 Study Math and Science Effectively: Hints from those Who Know! Oct. 30 College Majors and Careers: What is the Connection? Nov. 6 University Challenges Presentations Nov. 13 Real Career Planning: The Nuts and Bolts Nov. 20 Career Exploration Assignment Presentations Dec. 4 Your Next Steps at Boston University FYE- February 2011
QUESTIONS?? COMMENTS?? FYE- February 2011
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