News & Events

When

Date - February 14, 2020
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

What

Associate Professor of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Talk Title: Dismantling barriers to student success in STEM courses through inclusive excellence

Abstract:

Today, the majority of students coming to college intending to study science are what used to be referred to as “non-traditional” students. This new student body includes those who begin at a 2-year institution and transfer to a 4-year, first-generation students, and persons who identify as belonging to racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other groups underrepresented in science. This changing student body provides us with an incredible opportunity to graduate a diverse STEM workforce with the creative and innovative perspectives that better reflect the diversity of our nation. Unfortunately, many institutions struggle to find ways for this “new majority” to be successful in our STEM classes. While diversity is necessary for excellence, it is not sufficient without inclusion. This talk will outline the ways in which faculty must be the leaders in establishing a culture of inclusion within STEM disciplines through the choices they make in creating the curriculum. Specific examples of inclusive practices will be provided in four areas (content, pedagogy, environment, and assessment) with data showing the impact these can have on students from previously underrepresented groups.