Dean's Corner
Hello Faculty!
I hope that the Spring semester is proceeding well for you. I would like to extend a special “thank you” to all of the faculty members (16 full-time and 2 part-time) who participated in our first full implementation of the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) program during the Fall semester. The program is continuing for the Spring 2016 semester with 21 full-time faculty participants in three on-going FLCs. Prof. John Jackson and Dr. David Zoller are serving as Co-Facilitators for the Effective Teaching in STEM FLC, Prof. Jacquelyn Johnson is serving as the Facilitator for the Assessment: Course, Program and Institution-wide FLC and Dr. Liza Mohanty is serving as the Facilitator for the Integrative Learning FLC. Please visit our website for a complete description of these FLCs.
We would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to those faculty members who have agreed to provide presentations for their colleagues. Please show your support by attending their scheduled sessions.
We began a pilot ACT test prep program, Saturday STEM Academy, during the Fall with Julian High School. This was a scheduled 12 week program ( 6 weeks in Fall and 6 weeks in Spring) to be held on the campus for review in English, math and science. There were ten students in attendance. The first six weeks were held at OHC. The high school has requested that the program continue on their campus for the remaining six weeks.
Our After School Academy is continuing at Julian High School this semester. OHC college faculty are providing tutoring in English and math. More information about this program is given in the write-up below.
Inside this issue you will be updated on these and other activities sponsored by the STEM CTL. Technology trainings, workshops, presentations and webinars will continue to be provided, and we welcome you to share your expertise with your colleagues. Please stop in to see one of our technology staff if you have questions or wish to update your skills on various techniques. We appreciate your continued support!
I hope that the Spring semester is proceeding well for you. I would like to extend a special “thank you” to all of the faculty members (16 full-time and 2 part-time) who participated in our first full implementation of the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) program during the Fall semester. The program is continuing for the Spring 2016 semester with 21 full-time faculty participants in three on-going FLCs. Prof. John Jackson and Dr. David Zoller are serving as Co-Facilitators for the Effective Teaching in STEM FLC, Prof. Jacquelyn Johnson is serving as the Facilitator for the Assessment: Course, Program and Institution-wide FLC and Dr. Liza Mohanty is serving as the Facilitator for the Integrative Learning FLC. Please visit our website for a complete description of these FLCs.
We would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to those faculty members who have agreed to provide presentations for their colleagues. Please show your support by attending their scheduled sessions.
We began a pilot ACT test prep program, Saturday STEM Academy, during the Fall with Julian High School. This was a scheduled 12 week program ( 6 weeks in Fall and 6 weeks in Spring) to be held on the campus for review in English, math and science. There were ten students in attendance. The first six weeks were held at OHC. The high school has requested that the program continue on their campus for the remaining six weeks.
Our After School Academy is continuing at Julian High School this semester. OHC college faculty are providing tutoring in English and math. More information about this program is given in the write-up below.
Inside this issue you will be updated on these and other activities sponsored by the STEM CTL. Technology trainings, workshops, presentations and webinars will continue to be provided, and we welcome you to share your expertise with your colleagues. Please stop in to see one of our technology staff if you have questions or wish to update your skills on various techniques. We appreciate your continued support!
Faculty/Staff Spotlight
OHC STEM CTL 2015 - 2016 Faculty Learning Communities (FLC's)
Effective Teaching in STEM FLC
Co-Facilitators:
Prof. John Jackson –
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Members:
Dr. Jong Kim
Prof. Sylvester Roebuck
Prof. Kara Neeley
Effective Teaching in STEM FLC
Co-Facilitators:
Prof. John Jackson –
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Members:
Dr. Jong Kim
Prof. Sylvester Roebuck
Prof. Kara Neeley
This cohort-based FLC serves to bring faculty together from the STEM fields in order to promote collaborations across the disciplines and explore pedagogical approaches to teaching in the STEM disciplines. Faculty share strategies which work best to improve student success in STEM.
Dr. David Zoller – Physical Science Department.
Dr. David Zoller – Physical Science Department.
Assessment: Course, Program and Institution-wide FLC
Facilitator: Prof. Jacquelyn Johnson –
Social Science Department
Members:
Prof. Shadi Assaf
Prof. Luis Delgado
Prof. Cornelius Johnson
Prof. Sudipta Roy
Prof. Cornelia Forrester
Prof. Ioana Sancira
Prof. Carla Carr
Dr. Khalilah Watson
This FLC focuses on assessment of student learning at all levels. This multi-disciplinary faculty participates in a collaborative process to review classroom assessment techniques, as well as assess the general education goals of the college. FLC participants build consensus on a set of tools (assignments, rubric, curricular maps etc.) that can be used to collect and analyze student work.
Facilitator: Prof. Jacquelyn Johnson –
Social Science Department
Members:
Prof. Shadi Assaf
Prof. Luis Delgado
Prof. Cornelius Johnson
Prof. Sudipta Roy
Prof. Cornelia Forrester
Prof. Ioana Sancira
Prof. Carla Carr
Dr. Khalilah Watson
This FLC focuses on assessment of student learning at all levels. This multi-disciplinary faculty participates in a collaborative process to review classroom assessment techniques, as well as assess the general education goals of the college. FLC participants build consensus on a set of tools (assignments, rubric, curricular maps etc.) that can be used to collect and analyze student work.
Integrative Learning FLC
Facilitator: Dr. Liza Mohanty –
Natural Science Department
Members:
Prof.Barbara Brown
Dr. Kristee Davis
Prof. Curtis Keyes
Prof. Austin Ferguson
Prof. Ibrahima Gueye
Dr. Oliver Pergams
Participants of this FLC create interdisciplinary activities, lessons and assignments in response to the results of chemical and microbial analysis of soil samples from the OHC campus. Political and social implications of the findings will also be considered.
Facilitator: Dr. Liza Mohanty –
Natural Science Department
Members:
Prof.Barbara Brown
Dr. Kristee Davis
Prof. Curtis Keyes
Prof. Austin Ferguson
Prof. Ibrahima Gueye
Dr. Oliver Pergams
Participants of this FLC create interdisciplinary activities, lessons and assignments in response to the results of chemical and microbial analysis of soil samples from the OHC campus. Political and social implications of the findings will also be considered.
Assessment FLC - Critical Thinking Focus Group
The Assessment Cohort of the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) successfully organized a Critical Thinking Focus Group on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.
This semester the FLC’s assessment group had decided to further discuss Critical Thinking in our classes. We have been discussing issues pertaining to this topic since the beginning of the semester and we decided to take it to the next level. Prof. Johnson and Watson’s had successfully convened a focus group last semester and a group of us decided to follow their footsteps. Professors Carr (Visual & Performing Arts), Delgado (Foreign Language), Forrester (Physical Science), and Roy’s (Economics) schedules allowed them to bring one of their classes together and organize a multidisciplinary focus group. Ms. Ferguson (STEM CTL) greatly helped us to create a PowerPoint presentation with student response capabilities embedded.
For our focus group we selected the question: “Are Social Networking Sites Good for our Society?” We thought that this question would generate a lively and dynamic discussion, and it did.
Approximately 70 students attended. We succinctly introduced the topic and immediately asked the students to vote, via a clicker, YES or NO to the focus group question. The majority of the students, 67%, voted YES. Subsequently, we provided and discussed some authorized pro and con arguments; had a lively group and collective discussion, and we finally asked students to vote again. The initial result was reversed, the NO carried it with 58%.
We concluded that by providing relevant information and evaluating it critically, students and people in general, can reach a different, and hopefully a more accurate, conclusion.
Thanks to invaluable assistance from the STEM Center for Teaching and Learning we were able to organize this event.
This collaborative and interactive focus group was a step forward towards developing a broader assessment culture at OHC.
The Assessment Cohort of the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) successfully organized a Critical Thinking Focus Group on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.
This semester the FLC’s assessment group had decided to further discuss Critical Thinking in our classes. We have been discussing issues pertaining to this topic since the beginning of the semester and we decided to take it to the next level. Prof. Johnson and Watson’s had successfully convened a focus group last semester and a group of us decided to follow their footsteps. Professors Carr (Visual & Performing Arts), Delgado (Foreign Language), Forrester (Physical Science), and Roy’s (Economics) schedules allowed them to bring one of their classes together and organize a multidisciplinary focus group. Ms. Ferguson (STEM CTL) greatly helped us to create a PowerPoint presentation with student response capabilities embedded.
For our focus group we selected the question: “Are Social Networking Sites Good for our Society?” We thought that this question would generate a lively and dynamic discussion, and it did.
Approximately 70 students attended. We succinctly introduced the topic and immediately asked the students to vote, via a clicker, YES or NO to the focus group question. The majority of the students, 67%, voted YES. Subsequently, we provided and discussed some authorized pro and con arguments; had a lively group and collective discussion, and we finally asked students to vote again. The initial result was reversed, the NO carried it with 58%.
We concluded that by providing relevant information and evaluating it critically, students and people in general, can reach a different, and hopefully a more accurate, conclusion.
Thanks to invaluable assistance from the STEM Center for Teaching and Learning we were able to organize this event.
This collaborative and interactive focus group was a step forward towards developing a broader assessment culture at OHC.
Faculty, Staff, Administrators and Students Serve as Volunteer Judges at the Chicago Public Schools Regional Science Fair at OHC January 2016
Many thanks to everyone who registered to volunteer and a very special thank you to all the faculty, staff, students, and administrators who was able to judge:
Kaife Abedin, Vera Averyhart-Fullard, Mayowa Balogun, Paul Buckner, Angelia Carter
Andre Cheeks, Ameshia Cross, Luis Delgado, Michelle Ferguson, Scott Foster, Pamela Gordan, Lamar Grayson, Ibrahima Gueye, TeraKesha Hammond, Elizabeth Hardrick, Peter Hurlock, John Jackson, Debra Johnson, Jong Kim, Olivia McDowell, Miguel Millett, LaTanja Moody, Kara Neely, Micheal Newman-Brooks, Katrina Randle, Maretha Roberts, Sudipta Roy, Ioana Sancira, Elissa Tobin, Paula Tripp, Fred Watts, and Jennifer Webster
CPS Regional Science Fair Results:
Outstanding 6th Graders
Poe
Mikayla Godbolt – Cracking the Polymer Myth
Pirie
Andre Illidge – Sight Versus Taste
Congratulations to the following students who qualify for the city finals:
Black
Joseph Bertrand – How Will Dry Ice React?
Burnside
Alexandria Brown – Evaporation
Carver
Tommia Irons – Does Chewing Gum Make You Smarter?
Clay
Mayra Cuevas – Voltage Power
Dixon
Carollyn Bailey – Toxic vs. "Green" Detergents
Ariyana Shines – Electrolytes: Sports vs. Orange Juice
G. Washington
Rocio Marquez – Shakin' up Soil
Valeria Valtierra – Rising Seas, Sinking Lands
Selmy Verdi – Burning Calories
Gallistel
Daniel Bolanos – Soaring To Science
Mariana Gutierrez – Who Has the Strongest Passwords?
Stephanie Maynez – The Effects of Bridge Design & Weight Capacity
Garvey
Micah Mixon – Simple Harmonic Motion
Ashanti Simmons – Chromatography
Gillespie
Brittni Adams – Strength and Absorbency
Miyanna Guyton – London Bridges Falling Down
H. Washington
Michel Adelien – Electromagnetic Potential
J.N. Thorp
Jaleesa Foster – Plop Plop Fizz Fast
Morgan Park
Marshall Ellis – Marble Mania
Kenneth Strongs – What Makes Ice Melt Fastest?
Many thanks to everyone who registered to volunteer and a very special thank you to all the faculty, staff, students, and administrators who was able to judge:
Kaife Abedin, Vera Averyhart-Fullard, Mayowa Balogun, Paul Buckner, Angelia Carter
Andre Cheeks, Ameshia Cross, Luis Delgado, Michelle Ferguson, Scott Foster, Pamela Gordan, Lamar Grayson, Ibrahima Gueye, TeraKesha Hammond, Elizabeth Hardrick, Peter Hurlock, John Jackson, Debra Johnson, Jong Kim, Olivia McDowell, Miguel Millett, LaTanja Moody, Kara Neely, Micheal Newman-Brooks, Katrina Randle, Maretha Roberts, Sudipta Roy, Ioana Sancira, Elissa Tobin, Paula Tripp, Fred Watts, and Jennifer Webster
CPS Regional Science Fair Results:
Outstanding 6th Graders
Poe
Mikayla Godbolt – Cracking the Polymer Myth
Pirie
Andre Illidge – Sight Versus Taste
Congratulations to the following students who qualify for the city finals:
Black
Joseph Bertrand – How Will Dry Ice React?
Burnside
Alexandria Brown – Evaporation
Carver
Tommia Irons – Does Chewing Gum Make You Smarter?
Clay
Mayra Cuevas – Voltage Power
Dixon
Carollyn Bailey – Toxic vs. "Green" Detergents
Ariyana Shines – Electrolytes: Sports vs. Orange Juice
G. Washington
Rocio Marquez – Shakin' up Soil
Valeria Valtierra – Rising Seas, Sinking Lands
Selmy Verdi – Burning Calories
Gallistel
Daniel Bolanos – Soaring To Science
Mariana Gutierrez – Who Has the Strongest Passwords?
Stephanie Maynez – The Effects of Bridge Design & Weight Capacity
Garvey
Micah Mixon – Simple Harmonic Motion
Ashanti Simmons – Chromatography
Gillespie
Brittni Adams – Strength and Absorbency
Miyanna Guyton – London Bridges Falling Down
H. Washington
Michel Adelien – Electromagnetic Potential
J.N. Thorp
Jaleesa Foster – Plop Plop Fizz Fast
Morgan Park
Marshall Ellis – Marble Mania
Kenneth Strongs – What Makes Ice Melt Fastest?
Faculty and Staff Presentations in the STEM CTL
Effective Communication @ OHC - Ameshia Cross
Communications strategies and messaging techniques are ever changing. On Wednesday, January 11, 206, Olive-Harvey’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing Ameshia Cross provided a step-by-step approach to effective communications planning, strategy development and message delivery. With years of experience in elected campaign communications, government and private sector communications as well as internal and external communications here at OHC she was happy to provide a training tailored towards participant’s specific needs. This presentation was for faculty and staff who wanted to learn more about how to promote their events, programs and initiatives.
Effective Communication @ OHC - Ameshia Cross
Communications strategies and messaging techniques are ever changing. On Wednesday, January 11, 206, Olive-Harvey’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing Ameshia Cross provided a step-by-step approach to effective communications planning, strategy development and message delivery. With years of experience in elected campaign communications, government and private sector communications as well as internal and external communications here at OHC she was happy to provide a training tailored towards participant’s specific needs. This presentation was for faculty and staff who wanted to learn more about how to promote their events, programs and initiatives.
The Wellness Center Presents: What's Testing Go to Do With It? - Ashley Jacob, Intern
On March 10th, Wellness Center Intern, Ashley Jacob exposed us to the wondrous world of Psychological Testing with her workshop “What’s Testing Got to do with It?” She addressed questions faculty may have about students possibly being impacted by something outside the classroom, as well as discussed how our students may struggle with personal issues, such as depression and anxiety. Through psychological testing, the professionals in the Wellness Center can help students figure out how all the pieces come together. As part of the presentation, the team discussed what testing is, what to look for in students, and how to refer students for testing. Participants also got to play the patient as we were exposed to some activities and assessments to understand how it all works!
On March 10th, Wellness Center Intern, Ashley Jacob exposed us to the wondrous world of Psychological Testing with her workshop “What’s Testing Got to do with It?” She addressed questions faculty may have about students possibly being impacted by something outside the classroom, as well as discussed how our students may struggle with personal issues, such as depression and anxiety. Through psychological testing, the professionals in the Wellness Center can help students figure out how all the pieces come together. As part of the presentation, the team discussed what testing is, what to look for in students, and how to refer students for testing. Participants also got to play the patient as we were exposed to some activities and assessments to understand how it all works!
STEM Faculty Journal Club - Dr. Oliver Pergams and Prof Steven Smith Co-Facilitators
Join Dr. Oliver Pergams and Professor Stephen Smith for a monthly STEM-focused education research journal club every 3rd Thursday at 3:30-4:30pm in room 3307.
Past Readings:
February 18, 2016: Duncan, S. 2015. Reading aloud in Lewisham: an exploration of adult reading-aloud practices. Literacy 49: 84-90.
Click here to view the article
March 31, 2016: Facilitating Change in Undergraduate STEM Instructional Practices: An Analytic Review of the Literature.
Click here to view the article
The last reading for the semester will be April 21, 2016. The selected reading will be provided at a later date.
Join Dr. Oliver Pergams and Professor Stephen Smith for a monthly STEM-focused education research journal club every 3rd Thursday at 3:30-4:30pm in room 3307.
Past Readings:
February 18, 2016: Duncan, S. 2015. Reading aloud in Lewisham: an exploration of adult reading-aloud practices. Literacy 49: 84-90.
Click here to view the article
March 31, 2016: Facilitating Change in Undergraduate STEM Instructional Practices: An Analytic Review of the Literature.
Click here to view the article
The last reading for the semester will be April 21, 2016. The selected reading will be provided at a later date.
STEM CTL Program Spring 2016
Supplemental Instruction
We have a fantastic group of leaders this semester supporting our Supplemental Instruction Program. We have 10 leaders supporting 12 sections of our Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Economics courses. We kicked off the semester with our day-long training where the leaders met one another, learned about the program, and engaged in all the techniques that make-up SI.
We have a fantastic group of leaders this semester supporting our Supplemental Instruction Program. We have 10 leaders supporting 12 sections of our Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Economics courses. We kicked off the semester with our day-long training where the leaders met one another, learned about the program, and engaged in all the techniques that make-up SI.
The term has gotten off to a strong start with 100+ students attending SI sessions out of almost 300 total enrolled students. Midterm grades reflected positive outcomes for students attending sessions and our leaders and supervisors continue to meet bi-weekly to learn new strategies for increasing attendance, and effectively facilitating the learning process through active SI sessions. We are proud of the leaders our students are becoming and look forward to the successful outcomes of the semester!
Please enjoy some photos from the first few SI sessions of the semester:
Please enjoy some photos from the first few SI sessions of the semester:
After School Academy
The After School Academy @ Julian HS began on Monday February 8, 2016. The program will run until May 12, 2016. Academic coaching sessions are at least 1.5 hours each day, on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.
The mission of the After School Academy is to provide students with academic support in the areas of English, Reading, Science and Math. Also, to improve the academic achievement of students through increasing their knowledge and skills, school attendance, and time devoted to their academic career by providing additional, instruction and guidance.
Academic Coaches for the Spring 2016 semester are:
Fitzhubert Barclay – English & Reading – Kennedy-King College
Paul Buckner – Math – Olive-Harvey College
Jo'Van Harrison – Math – Kennedy-King College
Tonia Humphrey – English & Reading – Truman College!
For more information about the program download a copy of the 2015 – 2016 After School Academy Handbook.
The After School Academy @ Julian HS began on Monday February 8, 2016. The program will run until May 12, 2016. Academic coaching sessions are at least 1.5 hours each day, on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.
The mission of the After School Academy is to provide students with academic support in the areas of English, Reading, Science and Math. Also, to improve the academic achievement of students through increasing their knowledge and skills, school attendance, and time devoted to their academic career by providing additional, instruction and guidance.
Academic Coaches for the Spring 2016 semester are:
Fitzhubert Barclay – English & Reading – Kennedy-King College
Paul Buckner – Math – Olive-Harvey College
Jo'Van Harrison – Math – Kennedy-King College
Tonia Humphrey – English & Reading – Truman College!
For more information about the program download a copy of the 2015 – 2016 After School Academy Handbook.