- Year 2024
- NSF Noyce Award # 1439848
- First Name John K
- Last Name Coleman
- Registration Faculty/Administrator/Other
- Discipline STEM Education (general)
- Role Principal Investigator (PI)
- Presenters
John K Coleman, Ph.D. , Langston University
Need
The Noyce Program at Langston University has been a game-changer in the realm of STEM education. With a strategic blend of recruitment, financial support, and a rigorous induction process, the program has made significant strides in producing qualified STEM teachers. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the daunting perception of STEM subjects, Langston University has remained steadfast in its mission.
Research Questions
Research question: Can LU’s Noyce STEM Teacher’s Scholarship program create a generation of STEM teachers that have a sufficient grasp of STEM core content and a grasp of teaching and learning processes to teach students to become problem solvers?
Approach
Langston University’s journey to success is paved with seven key strategies: 1. Recruiting: A critical awareness campaign coupled with financial support to attract the brightest minds. 2. Financial Support: Continuously seeking funding sources to augment Noyce scholarships for students. Ideally, a full ride scholarship is the best recruiting opportunity. 3. Rigorous Induction Process: Establishing a baseline of student data to guide faculty and mentors. 4. Intense Faculty and Peer Mentoring: Regular updates on progress. Intense support from faculty; peer monitoring and tutoring. 5. Solid Course Content Knowledge: Overcoming educational barriers with innovative teaching methods (CPR-L – see below). 6. Analytics: Tracking performance against goals to ensure success. 7. Post-program Follow-up: Maintaining contact with graduates to support their ongoing success. These strategies have been instrumental in transforming the landscape of STEM education at Langston University.
Outcomes
The program’s success is quantifiable: a staggering 900% increase in Chemistry teachers, 500% in Biology, 300% in Math, and 100% in Computer Science. These figures are not just numbers; they represent a brighter future for students across Oklahoma and the nation.
Broader Impacts
The Noyce Program’s impact is undeniable. By exceeding its goals and producing a new wave of STEM teachers, Langston University is addressing the critical shortage of STEM educators. The program’s success is a vital contribution to the educational landscape, ensuring that the next generation of students will have access to high-quality STEM instruction.
