Innovative Approaches to Student-Centered Learning: STEM, Competency-Based Education, and Experiential Learning (Table 1)

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

This roundtable session explores innovative educational strategies that promote student-centered learning and deeper knowledge construction. The first presentation examines how constructivist STEM learning in a summer camp setting significantly increased secondary school girls’ self-efficacy and interest in STEM fields, particularly through Arduino and robotics. The second presentation focuses on the implementation of a competency-based education (CBE) grading schema in a pharmacy course, emphasizing mastery of skills and student reflections on the learning experience. The final presentation explores the impact of outdoor experiential learning on knowledge construction, showing that learning in wilderness settings can foster more robust, long-lasting knowledge links than traditional classroom settings. Together, these presentations offer insights into diverse approaches that enhance student engagement, understanding, and educational outcomes.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Constructivist Theory, Research, and Practice

Chair

• Quinn Burke, Digital Promise

Papers

• Constructivist Learning as Intervention: A Pre-Post Examination of STEM Interest and Self-Efficacy - Yonghong Jade Xu, University of Memphis; Mei Yang, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Shaoan Zhang, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Venkatesan Muthukumar, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Exploring Student Reflections While Implementing a Competency-Based Grading Schema - Kelli M. Adam, Texas A&M University; Merlyn Joseph, Texas A&M University; Mahjabin Chowdhury, Texas A&M University

• “Gas Stations in the Middle of Nowhere?" Uncovering Knowledge Links in Outdoor School Experiential Learning - Kathy L. Schuh, University of Iowa; Mandy Dunphy, Baylor University; Faiaz Rahman, University of Florida; Ricardo Domingues, University of Iowa