Monday, April 28, 2014

EXPAND, ENHANCE, AND TRANSFORM

There are many ways that teachers can expand, enhance, and transform the STEM curriculum. 

Enhance: Blended Learning and Outside Partnerships
Open-Education Resources (OERs) include lab simulations, games, tutorials, podcasts—anything that can 
supplement students’ learning or offer them new opportunities. These also include professional 
development products, for teachers and administrators looking to increase their technological 

knowledge and their mastery of advance STEM subjects. 

Expand: Developing Your Own Enrichment Courses
When teachers feel confident and knowledgeable enough in higher-level subjects, they can create their 
own STEM materials for interested students. Teacher-Created Supplements include technologically 
advanced lessons, online and/or blended courses to supplement in-class activities, modules, and 
collaborations. These projects require significant Professional Development support from school 

administration, whether in the form of teacher education in higher-level content or technology skills. 

Transform: A STEM-Centered Culture
 
For those schools looking to supply more than just individual classes or student support, the next step is 
an institutional commitment to STEM at the county or board level. This commitment should emphasize 
the practical value of STEM education, and focus on college and career preparedness. In short, this is the 
way to address the issue that 75% of students who choose not to study STEM subjects even though 
they’ve enjoyed and thrived in the classes thus far.

No comments:

Post a Comment