Developing Shared Vision: A Case Study Documenting a STEM General Education Change Process at a Small Liberal Arts School

Abstract

A small undergraduate liberal arts college explored a model, grounded in the literature, to develop a shared vision for its science and math general education curriculum that focuses on scientific literacy skills. This process has allowed us to produce shared general education learning goals across our eight science and math departments, conduct voluntary “bestpractices” workshops with a broad swath of faculty, and assess students’ science and math attitudes and scientific literacy. It has also fostered interdisciplinary grant-writing teams to solicit external funding. The initial work was conducted at low cost to the institution. Our collaborative efforts positioned us to submit an NSF-IUSE grant, which was ultimately funded. Although the pace is often slower and the path more uncertain than individuals might desire, the results of this work suggest that teams of faculty and administrators can work together to align institutional priorities and produce genuine institutional change.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacqueline Roberts

Jacqueline Roberts ([email protected]) is a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

Pamela Propsom

Pamela Propsom is a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

William Tobin

William Tobin is director of Institutional Research, DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.