- Year 2017
- NSF Noyce Award # 1136403
- First Name Stephen
- Last Name Robinson
- Discipline Physics
- Co-PI(s)
Holly Anthony, Tennessee Technological University, HAnthony@tntech.edu
- Presenters
Stephen Robinson, Tennessee Technological Universiy, sjrobinson@tntech.edu
Need
Many of our program participants initially have little exposure to teaching. Working with the TTU STEM Center allows them this exposure in a tiered structure, from simple supervision to lesson development and implementation. In helping with PD programs, they also get to interact with practicing teachers in an environment that allows extensive exchanges of inofrmation.
Goals
The overarching goal is to produce highly qualified, competent teachers of math, physics, and chemistry. In working on outreach activities for the STEM Center they develop their skills in lesson development and facilitation. It also gives them opportunities to reflect on successes and failures and receive feedback in a safe environment.
Approach
From their initial entry into our Early Teaching Experience, up to summer internships as scholars, participants are gradually given more and more responsibility for coordinating and conducting outreach activities. Starting with simple supervision, they transition in to co-leadership and leadership roles, eventually taking responsibility for developing standards-related activities, field testing them. Scholars also attend PD programs for practicing teachers, so giving them an insight into their professional responsibilities.
Outcomes
Our scholars have reported that participation in the STEM Center activities has allowed them to develop a much firmer foundation for their teaching careers than only formal coursework can provide.
Broader Impacts
The participation of Noyce interns and scholars in the outreach activities has enabled the STEM Center to expand its offerings to area schools. Several hundred K-12 students in the rural Upper Cumberland area have been exposed to STEM activities who woul dnot otherwise have had the opportunity.
