Faculty Development for STEM Student Success: Generating a Campus Culture of Best Practice

Susan Shadle, Boise State University
Janet M. Callahan, Boise State University
Doug Bullock, Boise State University

Abstract

A key component of STEM student success lies with the faculty, especially with those teaching courses early in the STEM curriculum. In order to effect sustained changes in STEM student success at Boise State, our project has targeted faculty development as one of its cornerstones. The goals are to impact faculty classroom pedagogy and to elevate the dialogue within STEM departments and colleges so that faculty feel ownership of student success. As part of our STEP project, we have initiated a STEM-focused faculty learning community and we have held an annual "Best Practices for STEM Teaching and Learning" symposium. This interactive session will use case studies to model components of the two strategies we've used to impact pedagogy. Facilitated small-group discussions and report outs will allow participants to generate ideas for impacting faculty teaching practice and campus culture on their own campuses.