STEM Faculty Development in an International Setting: Lessons Learned

Presenter(s)
Betty Lawrence (State University of New York, Empire State College, US)
Mary Mawn (State University of New York, Empire State College, US)
Michele Ogle (SUNY Empire State College, US)
Additional Authors
Pauline Carrico (State University of New York, Empire State College, US)
Kim Stote (State University of New York, Empire State College, US)
Session Information
November 10, 2011 - 4:30pm
Track: 
Faculty and Professional Development and Support
Areas of Special Interest: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Universities and Four Year Institutions
Audience Level: 
All
Session Type: 
Poster Session
Location: 
Southern Hemisphere I-III
Abstract

SUNY, Empire State College is part of an HP Multiversity group facilitated by Sloan-C. This project consists of faculty development in a blended format with STEM faculty from our institution (including adjuncts) and Saint Petersburg State Polytechnical University. Details and lessons learned will be provided about this project.

Extended Abstract

In fall 2010, SUNY Empire State College was awarded an HP Catalyst grant. Through the grant, we were able to engage in joint faculty development with colleagues from St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University (SPbSPU). Twenty of our online faculty (selected from among full time STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) faculty and adjuncts) and 20 faculty from SPbSPU were each given an HP computer. Additionally, the 40 faculty participated in blended faculty development activities. Activities have included online discussion in a shared ANGEL space, face-to-face workshops on Process Education and small group projects. Faculty also completed a learning styles inventory and a self-efficacy scale for college teaching at the beginning of the project. These surveys will be given again at the end of the project in 2012. A primary advantage of the faculty development project includes potential collaboration with international STEM faculty. However, finding common interests among STEM faculty whose areas of expertise range from math education to biology to environmental studies to IS/IT, while maintaining interest in the project within and across institutions remains a challenge. In our poster, we will provide a summary of our activities, an update on the projects that are ongoing and recommendations for blended STEM faculty development.

Lead Presenter

I am currently an Interim Associate Dean for the Center for Distance Learning at SUNY Empire State College. I have been at Empire State College since 1982, serving primarily faculty roles. My doctorate is in mathematics education from the University of Rochester and my primary area of interest is online mathematics education for adult learners.

Presenter 1 Email: 
Betty.Lawrence@esc.edu