Linking Theory, Research, and Practice to Improve STEM Undergraduate Education

Session Type: Invited Session

Abstract

How can researchers, teachers, institutional and policy leaders, and funders better leverage the iterative relationships between theory, research, and action to improve STEM undergraduate education? This symposium convenes researchers and leaders of STEM innovation projects to discuss ways in which newer theoretical frameworks can inform innovative change projects designed to improve STEM undergraduate education—and how efforts to implement change can help refine theory as well as approaches to research. Theoretical perspectives highlighted include Network Improvement Communities, Design-Based Implementation Research, and Communities of Action. Several STEM reform projects will be discussed, including the AAU STEM Undergraduate Education Initiative, the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), and an organizational change project to promote use of evidence-based teaching practices. In the spirit of the conference theme, panelists will discuss ways to integrate theory, research, and action more fully to advance reform in STEM undergraduate education.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Cosponsor

• AERA Sessions

Chairs

• Ann E. Austin, Michigan State University

• Susan Singer, National Science Foundation

Participants

• Stephen Barkanic, Business-Higher Education Forum

• Anthony S. Bryk, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

• James S. Fairweather, Michigan State University

• Cynthia Finelli, University of Michigan

• Robert D Mathieu, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• William R. Penuel, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Ann E. Austin, Michigan State University