Many science educators know of the pedagogical benefits of inquiry- and research-based labs, yet numerous barriers to implementation exist. In this article we describe a faculty development workshop that explored interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations as potential mechanisms for overcoming barriers to curricular innovation.

For success after graduation, science undergraduates must master a number of skills such as scientific literacy (interpretation and evaluation of primary research articles) and effective communication. Many researchers have recognized the benefits of journal clubs in developing such skills, and a large body of literature describes how they may be…

To help undergraduates make connections among disciplines so they are able to approach, evaluate, and contribute to the solutions of important global problems, our campus has been focused on interdisciplinary research and education opportunities across the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This paper describes…

Peer-led team learning (PLTL) has been widely adopted for enhanced learning in a variety of disciplines, mostly in introductory chemistry, but also in organic chemistry, as in this study (Tien, Roth, and Kampmeier 2002). This pedagogical approach forms student groups led by students who have previously done well in the course (standard peer…

This paper presents results from a July 2005 workshop and course aimed at developing an interdisciplinary course on modeling aquatic ecosystems that will provide the next generation of practitioners with critical skills for which formal training is presently lacking. Five different course models were evaluated: (1) fundamentals/general principles…

Described is the annual Earth Science Teacher Day sponsored by the University of Texas. The purpose is to provide an attractive program combining both content enrichment and new classroom activities for earth science teachers. The format includes workshops, work sessions and field trips. (DS)

Describes a workshop in which participants were challenged to develop a set of recommendations for the earth sciences community that would lead to a coherent educational plan with earth systems as a focus. Discusses recommendations made by the workshop participants, the future of earth systems sciences, and a plan for the future. (JRH)

Introduces the Chautauqua Workshop Program which covers mathematics, physical science, biological science, and some of the social and engineering disciplines. (YDS)

Describes the Academic Excellence Workshops program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as a potential model for an academic support system specifically designed for underrepresented students in math-based disciplines. (PR)

Describes various resources for teaching problem-solving. They include: (1) several books with a problem-solving emphasis; (2) a workshop focusing on the attitudinal components of thinking and problem-solving; and (3) a summary of a study dealing with problem-solving in the context of high school physics. (JN)

Summarizes the report on undergraduate education in biology published by the National Science Foundation. Discusses the problems and recommended solutions for each of three areas: laboratories and course development; enhancing the quality of teaching; and recruitment and retention of students. (YP)

We conduct research workshops twice each semester in our cell biology lecture course. Instead of solely analyzing data obtained by others, students form groups to design research questions and experimental protocols on a given topic. The main focus is the process of scientific thinking, not simply obtaining a correct product. (Contains 3 tables…

Describes a Hebrew University program for academically disadvantaged students, focusing on a workshop component which emphasizes learning skills and study strategies. An evaluation of the workshop indicates that it leads to improved achievement in several academic fields (including the natural sciences). (DH)

Described is a workshop for graduate students and faculty members that focused on improvement of teaching methods. Topics included were: common weaknesses of inexperienced lecturers, diagnosing teaching weaknesses, elements of a good lecture, creating an atmosphere of participation, Piaget's developmental psychology, behavioral objectives,…

Describes the successful aspects of a three-day workshop on teaching effectiveness for engineering professors. Discusses participants' comments and suggestions about administrative support, communication of fresh insights and perspectives, establishment of a participatory structure, and teaching/learning mismatches. (JJK)