Initial Publication Date: August 15, 2017

Overview and Logistics

This workshop explores successful strategies for teaching geoscience to all students in the same classroom. What do you want students to know and be able to do after completing your course? We will discuss the 'enduring understandings' of geoscience that you may want your students to be able to use after your course. We will explore different types of formative and summative assessments that can help students practice and demonstrate their understanding. The geosciences are tied with physics for the least diverse field in the STEM disciplines. We'll examine issues of equity, access, and inclusion through the lens of case studies, then explore strategies for broadening participation. Attendees will participate in both small and large group discussions, collaborating with colleagues from the southeast Texas region, and develop an action plan for improving student success in their classroom.

Workshop Goals

  • Use backwards design to align classroom activities and assessments
  • Explore active learning in conjunction with the value of formative and summative assessments
  • Present research regarding the need for broadening participation
  • Explore strategies to design an inclusive classroom and geoscience program
  • Further foster the 2YC geoscience instructors community in southeastern Texas

Date and times

The workshop will take place on Friday, February 2nd, 2018 starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM.

Expectations

Workshop participants are expected to:

  • Bring a laptop to the workshop
  • Participate in all sessions, develop an action plan, and complete the end of workshop evaluation survey
  • Submit at the end of the spring 2018 semester reflections on action plans

Cost

This workshop is free to participants, thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation.

Registration

Any geoscience faculty member (full-time or part-time) teaching at a two-year college in southeastern Texas is eligible to attend the workshop. Register early, space is limited.

Register for the workshop on or before January 25th, 2018.

Facilities, Directions, and Parking

The workshop will occur at Lone Star College - University Park (20515 State Highway 249, Houston, TX 77070). Workshop will occur in Building 13 on the seventh floor. Room B13.707.

Park in parking garage 10 (http://www.lonestar.edu/maps-universitypark.htm).

Food

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.