Changing the Teaching Culture in Introductory STEM Courses at a Large Research University

Abstract

We describe a major transformation in teaching large introductory courses in the sciences and engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, impacting over 17,000 students yearly. The transformation was emergent, not prescribed, and occurred through two programs that included both engineering and science departments. Working collaboratively in Communities of Practice (CoPs), made up of a small number of faculty and teaching professionals formed within departments, faculty adopted and implemented evidence-based instructional practices with the goal of sustaining them over time. To make the reform process understandable to research faculty, we adopted the adage of “teach like you do research,” meaning not only using iterative, evidence-based decision making but also engaging in a scholarly, collaborative community that pushes each individual member toward excellence. Another essential feature of the reform was embedding faculty members within the CoPs who had both knowledge of and a track record of implementing evidence-based reforms in their courses to serve as resources to the CoP. We describe the course-reform process and lessons learned and provide evidence for the success of our efforts.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Geoffrey L. Herman

Geoffrey L. Herman is a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jennifer C. Greene

Jennifer C. Greene is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Laura D. Hahn

Laura D. Hahn is director of the Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education in the College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jose P. Mestre

Jose P. Mestre ([email protected]) is a professor in the Department of Physics and the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jonathan H. Tomkin

Jonathan H. Tomkin is a research associate professor in the Department of Geology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Matthew West

Matthew West is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.