JMU's Course Redesign Institute for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will provide an opportunity for faculty to learn and apply the principles, methods and strategies for developing an aligned course in a STEM discipline. This Institute will focus particularly on the design of tools for assessing student learning in STEM disciplines. Topics will include measurable learning objectives and associated assessment methods, evidence-based pedagogies and technologies, and content development. Faculty will also have the opportunity to start building new relationships with colleagues from other departments, colleges, ranks and institutions and reflect on the various approaches to teaching and learning.

A team of JMU STEM faculty facilitates jmUDESIGN-STEM. All facilitators have experience in the principles, methods and strategies the institute will discuss and some of the facilitators have had the privilege of attending external institutes such as: UVA Course Design Institute, Boot Camp for Professors, Dee Fink & Associates' Integrated Course Design Institute, and Biology Scholars. Each phase of the facilitation process is designed to model diverse pedagogical principles used in STEM courses, including active-learning, problem-based learning, learner-centered teaching and team-based learning. Informed choice of and use of instructional technologies will also be modeled. Participants will be placed in a small group learning community with other faculty teaching STEM courses, for the duration of the institute, allowing for rich exchange and collaboration amongst peers.

This institute was a joint effort by JMU's Center for Faculty Innovation, Center for Instructional Technology and the 4VA consortium, and is sponsored by Bridging the Valley Grant.

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