1. Coordinating STEM Core Courses for Student Success
- Author
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Villalobos, Cristina, Kim, Hyung Won, Huber, Timothy J., Knobel, Roger, Setayesh, Shaghayegh, Sasidharan, Lekshmi, Galstyan, Anahit, and Balogh, Andras
- Abstract
Research indicates multi-section coordination improves the academic performance of students in STEM education. This paper describes the process of coordination in Precalculus, Calculus 1, and Calculus 2 courses undertaken by a large department that grew from the merger of two institutions through a pilot program and a project grant. Components introduced in the project courses are documented, including collaborative problem-solving sessions, student learning assistants, Q&A sessions, and additional technology resources. Preliminary data is provided on the impacts of the initiative on student success. The study findings provide a template for coordination, faculty buy-in, and increased student engagement at similar institutions undergoing consolidations or implementing initiatives in core courses. Finally, this work provides proof-of-concept for coordination at a large minority-serving institution.
- Published
- 2021
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