Dean's Corner
Thank you for supporting our activities last semester which included an Open House, several presentations by Dr. Khaldoun Sweis, as well as numerous trainings by our technology team.
Our After School Academy tutoring program continued at our own Olive-Harvey Middle College, with assistance in English, math and science. We sponsored our first Winter Level Up session with sessions offered in math and English. We are planning to pilot our new Saturday STEM Academy in the Spring 2015 semester. This program will be used to tutor high school students, and provide assistance for ACT preparation.
In addition to these programs, we will be undertaking two new learning community initiatives. The first involves establishment of a Learning Community Task Force. We are seeking faculty and student participants to join the administrative group to address problems that we have had with the linked courses. The second initiative involves the formation of Faculty and Professional Learning Communities (FLCs). Handouts regarding theme-based and cohort-based learning communities were distributed at the last STEM CTL Advisory Group meeting held on November 25, 2014. We will be sending out a follow-up email with a description of these learning communities, along with an accompanying application so that you may indicate your interest.
Technology trainings, workshops 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 or our Activity Director if you have questions or wish to update your skills on various techniques. We appreciate your continued support!
Please join me in congratulating and extending well wishes to Lavonne Whitlock and Helen West, who will be departing the STEM CTL for other opportunities. Lavonne worked with the STEM CTL in assisting faculty, staff and students in processing materials for numerous activities. We thank Helen for all of her technology contributions for faculty and staff, and most importantly for her untiring dedication to the Student STEM Club. Both will be sorely missed.
Our After School Academy tutoring program continued at our own Olive-Harvey Middle College, with assistance in English, math and science. We sponsored our first Winter Level Up session with sessions offered in math and English. We are planning to pilot our new Saturday STEM Academy in the Spring 2015 semester. This program will be used to tutor high school students, and provide assistance for ACT preparation.
In addition to these programs, we will be undertaking two new learning community initiatives. The first involves establishment of a Learning Community Task Force. We are seeking faculty and student participants to join the administrative group to address problems that we have had with the linked courses. The second initiative involves the formation of Faculty and Professional Learning Communities (FLCs). Handouts regarding theme-based and cohort-based learning communities were distributed at the last STEM CTL Advisory Group meeting held on November 25, 2014. We will be sending out a follow-up email with a description of these learning communities, along with an accompanying application so that you may indicate your interest.
Technology trainings, workshops 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 or our Activity Director if you have questions or wish to update your skills on various techniques. We appreciate your continued support!
Please join me in congratulating and extending well wishes to Lavonne Whitlock and Helen West, who will be departing the STEM CTL for other opportunities. Lavonne worked with the STEM CTL in assisting faculty, staff and students in processing materials for numerous activities. We thank Helen for all of her technology contributions for faculty and staff, and most importantly for her untiring dedication to the Student STEM Club. Both will be sorely missed.
Winter STEM Social... Physics With a Bang
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the University of Chicago's annual physics demonstration show. You will have an opportunity to join a small group of educators to see all of the great experiments and high speed photography that make the show memorable.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
5720 S. Ellis (Kersten Physics Center)
The show is free however you must RSVP to register. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-stem-social-physics-with-a-bang-tickets-13825625819?aff=eorg
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
5720 S. Ellis (Kersten Physics Center)
The show is free however you must RSVP to register. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-stem-social-physics-with-a-bang-tickets-13825625819?aff=eorg
STEM CTL Open House Sept 30, 2014
Online Applications for Spring 2015 Faculty Learning Communities
Several Faculty Learning Communities are open for faculty participation during the Spring 2015 semester. Please visit the following website to complete and submit your application before January 19, 2015: http://goo.gl/forms/e9kQTkPcpT
Faculty Learning Communities are groups of faculty members engaged in regular meetings to share and increase knowledge about teaching and learning, and to increase motivation, pursue innovation, and become more scholarly in teaching approaches. Faculty participants will be selected from an applicant pool of faculty members interested in Assessment, Integrated Learning Across Disciplines, Service Learning, Student Engagement, and Effective Teaching in the STEM Disciplines, and will focus on how to incorporate these concepts and strategies into coursework.
For your reference, descriptions of the Faculty Learning Communities are as follows:
Service Learning – This FLC will focus on understanding and incorporating Service Learning into an existing class. Service learning is an exciting way to help students enhance their academic skills by applying what they have learned in your course to the world beyond the classroom. It can also help faculty to expand their scholarly profiles and establish community partners.
Promoting Student Engagement – This FLC will review and research various options for engaging students in the classroom environment through the use of innovative techniques and strategies, such as organized games, flipped classrooms, response devices, teamwork exercises, cases studies and other discipline specific activities.
Integrative Learning Across Disciplines (Formerly referred to as The Learning Community Project) –Participants of this FLC will create interdisciplinary activities, lessons and assignments in response to the results of chemical and microbial analysis of soil samples from the OHC campus.
Effective Teaching in the STEM Disciplines –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 will share strategies which work best in their classrooms.
Faculty Learning Communities are groups of faculty members engaged in regular meetings to share and increase knowledge about teaching and learning, and to increase motivation, pursue innovation, and become more scholarly in teaching approaches. Faculty participants will be selected from an applicant pool of faculty members interested in Assessment, Integrated Learning Across Disciplines, Service Learning, Student Engagement, and Effective Teaching in the STEM Disciplines, and will focus on how to incorporate these concepts and strategies into coursework.
For your reference, descriptions of the Faculty Learning Communities are as follows:
Service Learning – This FLC will focus on understanding and incorporating Service Learning into an existing class. Service learning is an exciting way to help students enhance their academic skills by applying what they have learned in your course to the world beyond the classroom. It can also help faculty to expand their scholarly profiles and establish community partners.
Promoting Student Engagement – This FLC will review and research various options for engaging students in the classroom environment through the use of innovative techniques and strategies, such as organized games, flipped classrooms, response devices, teamwork exercises, cases studies and other discipline specific activities.
Integrative Learning Across Disciplines (Formerly referred to as The Learning Community Project) –Participants of this FLC will create interdisciplinary activities, lessons and assignments in response to the results of chemical and microbial analysis of soil samples from the OHC campus.
Effective Teaching in the STEM Disciplines –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 will share strategies which work best in their classrooms.
Recruiting for Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders for Spring
Do you have any stellar students you would recommend to apply to be an SI Leader? We are looking for model students eager to help other students learn and succeed in their courses. We are filling positions for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses (Bio 114, 119, 121, 122, 226, 227; Chem 121, 201, 207; Physics 222, 236; Math 143, 207, 208; Econ 201; and Spanish 101, 102)
Minimum Qualifications
· Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
· Will be enrolled in at least 6 units in the Fall semester at OHC (or any other CCC)
· Is able to commit to work at least 10 hrs per week
· Is recommended by an instructor in the course for which he/she will provide SI
· Successfully completed the course for which he/she will provide SI
Soft Skills: The ideal candidate is an individual who meets the following
· Is an exemplary/model student represented in their course success as well as in their study habits
· Is eager to help others learn
· Is able to build rapport with classmates and is very approachable and easy to talk to
· Has a strong grasp of the material
· Maintains a working relationship with the instructor throughout the semester
· Is not afraid to ask questions
To apply: The student must be recommended by the instructor for the course he/she will provide SI, must meet the minimum qualifications, and complete an application. Applications should be submitted to Elissa Tobin ([email protected], office 3313) Download the Job Description and Application below. If the student meets the requirements, an interview will be scheduled prior to the Spring term. Training will take place the week before the term begins.
For more information, contact Elissa Tobin ([email protected])
Job Description: Download File
SI Application: Download File
Minimum Qualifications
· Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
· Will be enrolled in at least 6 units in the Fall semester at OHC (or any other CCC)
· Is able to commit to work at least 10 hrs per week
· Is recommended by an instructor in the course for which he/she will provide SI
· Successfully completed the course for which he/she will provide SI
Soft Skills: The ideal candidate is an individual who meets the following
· Is an exemplary/model student represented in their course success as well as in their study habits
· Is eager to help others learn
· Is able to build rapport with classmates and is very approachable and easy to talk to
· Has a strong grasp of the material
· Maintains a working relationship with the instructor throughout the semester
· Is not afraid to ask questions
To apply: The student must be recommended by the instructor for the course he/she will provide SI, must meet the minimum qualifications, and complete an application. Applications should be submitted to Elissa Tobin ([email protected], office 3313) Download the Job Description and Application below. If the student meets the requirements, an interview will be scheduled prior to the Spring term. Training will take place the week before the term begins.
For more information, contact Elissa Tobin ([email protected])
Job Description: Download File
SI Application: Download File
Fall 2015 Learning Communities for First-Year "College Ready" Students
After attending the National Summer Institute for Learning Communities, the team of attendees, Dr. Vera Fullard, Dr. Mia Hardy, Helen West, Professors Sharon Silverman and Carla Carr returned with an Action Plan focused on redesigning and institutionalizing the OHC Learning Community Program.
The Fall 2015 Learning Community strategy is designed for "first year, first semester, college ready students". There are a total of 26 different GPS pathways for AA, AS, AAS, AES, and AGS degrees. The options for pairing learning community courses are based on GPS course requirements for the above mentioned degree programs.
We will be visiting your Department meetings to answer any questions you might have and to assist you in identifying courses for your Fall 2015 Learning Community.
The Fall 2015 Learning Community strategy is designed for "first year, first semester, college ready students". There are a total of 26 different GPS pathways for AA, AS, AAS, AES, and AGS degrees. The options for pairing learning community courses are based on GPS course requirements for the above mentioned degree programs.
We will be visiting your Department meetings to answer any questions you might have and to assist you in identifying courses for your Fall 2015 Learning Community.
proposed_fall_2015_learning_community_options-updated_11-18-14.xlsx |
Call for Presentations and Workshops for the STEM CTL
Would you like to present to faculty and staff on a topic of your choice? Are you doing research you want to share with your colleagues? Have you taken a class or seminar recently and can't wait to share the knowledge? Did you attend an interesting conference and eager to share your experience? Submit to present for Spring 2015! Click here to Submit your Event! |
STEM CTL Launches After School Academy
After School Academy began October 13, 2014 at Olive-Harvey Middle College. There are six Olive-Harvey professors providing academic assistance to students in areas of English, Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Reading.
Math Professor John Jackson Preps STEM Club Students for AMATYC Math Competition
Students in the Olive-Harvey College STEM Club prepare for the American Mathematical Association for Two Year Colleges (AMATYC) Student Math League competition. The competition is held during two rounds of tests that are administered in the fall and spring semesters. Round 1 of the test was administered on November 7, 2014.
Students enrolled in two year colleges from across the country are eligible to participate in the competition. The top 5 highest scoring teams will win a plaque or trophy. The individual with the highest overall score will win a $3,000 scholarship to a 4 year institution.
Professor John Jackson coached OHC STEM Club students twice a week and also included Saturdays for students whose schedules prohibited weekday practice. After many weeks of preparation, students sharpened their pencils, rolled up their sleeves and began Round 1 of the competition. Preparation for Round 2 of the competition will begin after the Christmas holiday season.
Students enrolled in two year colleges from across the country are eligible to participate in the competition. The top 5 highest scoring teams will win a plaque or trophy. The individual with the highest overall score will win a $3,000 scholarship to a 4 year institution.
Professor John Jackson coached OHC STEM Club students twice a week and also included Saturdays for students whose schedules prohibited weekday practice. After many weeks of preparation, students sharpened their pencils, rolled up their sleeves and began Round 1 of the competition. Preparation for Round 2 of the competition will begin after the Christmas holiday season.
3D Printing, Design and Modeling Skills for OHC STEM Club Members
The OHC STEM Club is committed to providing students with opportunities for access to the 21st century skills and technologies they will need to be competitive in our global economy. Giving students access to 3D printers gives them exposure to cutting edge 21st century technology and facilitates their transformation into thinkers, designers and builders. The use of 3D printing technology is well suited in academics for student projects. Students will be able to prototype ideas and bring their projects to life quickly, and they can repeat the process until they have the desired results, causing them to "think" about redesign improvements.
Applications for 3D printer technology are endless. The goal of the STEM Club is to inspire our students to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering and math skills. Models of the human anatomy can be designed and built for use in the science labs. In addition to the STEM disciplined students, students in the arts can also benefit by applying creativity to the design process. The STEM Club, utilizing 3D printing technology, is setting students up for career success with the requisite 21st century skills employers seek and which they will need to compete in this global economy.
Dr. David Zoller, Physicist and Professor in the National and Physical Sciences Department, and STEM Club Faculty Advisor, along with Helen Y. West, Manager, Instructional Design in the STEM Center for Teaching and Learning, and STEM Club Coordinator, attend a training session at the 3D Printer Experience in Chicago. The OHC STEM Club is purchasing two 3D Printers which will be utilized in hands-on activities and projects facilitated by Dr. David Zoller.
Applications for 3D printer technology are endless. The goal of the STEM Club is to inspire our students to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, technology, engineering and math skills. Models of the human anatomy can be designed and built for use in the science labs. In addition to the STEM disciplined students, students in the arts can also benefit by applying creativity to the design process. The STEM Club, utilizing 3D printing technology, is setting students up for career success with the requisite 21st century skills employers seek and which they will need to compete in this global economy.
Dr. David Zoller, Physicist and Professor in the National and Physical Sciences Department, and STEM Club Faculty Advisor, along with Helen Y. West, Manager, Instructional Design in the STEM Center for Teaching and Learning, and STEM Club Coordinator, attend a training session at the 3D Printer Experience in Chicago. The OHC STEM Club is purchasing two 3D Printers which will be utilized in hands-on activities and projects facilitated by Dr. David Zoller.
Four OHC STEM Club Students Attend the Annual BioMedical Research Conference for Minority Students
Over 3,500 Students Nationwide Attended the 2014 Annual BioMedical Research Conference for Minority Students in San Antonio, Texas.
During the September 2014 monthly STEM Club meeting, students were informed about and encouraged to submit a one-page summary expressing their desire to attend the Annual BioMedical Research Conference for Minority Students along with how and why it would be of benefit them.
Accompanied by STEM Club Coordinator Helen Y. West, the four students who were selected and attended the conference were Mayowa Balogun, Katrina Randle, Taylor Gilbert, and Chanale Jackson. Upon return there was equal enthusiasm among all attendees who were all quoted stating that the conference far exceeded their expectations. The exposure and access to higher education opportunities were endless.
Students reported that the conference was a life changing experience for them. Two students have reconsidered their initial majors from pursuit of nursing degrees to dual Masters/Ph.D programs. The students enjoyed networking with other like-minded students from across the country. They were exposed to nationwide opportunities for Summer Research Programs through The Leadership Alliance who has an impressive institutional membership list with 33 top ranked universities.
Summer Research Programs are great opportunities for students to work 8 to 10 weeks during the summer under guidance of a faculty mentor. Students engage in one-on-one collaborations, gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in academic research and scientific experimentation. Upon conclusion, each student gives an oral or poster presentation of their research at various symposiums, including the ABRCMS. Students receive a stipend, travel and housing.
STEM Club students Mayowa Balogun, Katrina Randle, Taylor Gilbert, and Chanale Jackson will share their experience during a PowerPoint presentation at the December 4, 2014 STEM Club meeting.
During the September 2014 monthly STEM Club meeting, students were informed about and encouraged to submit a one-page summary expressing their desire to attend the Annual BioMedical Research Conference for Minority Students along with how and why it would be of benefit them.
Accompanied by STEM Club Coordinator Helen Y. West, the four students who were selected and attended the conference were Mayowa Balogun, Katrina Randle, Taylor Gilbert, and Chanale Jackson. Upon return there was equal enthusiasm among all attendees who were all quoted stating that the conference far exceeded their expectations. The exposure and access to higher education opportunities were endless.
Students reported that the conference was a life changing experience for them. Two students have reconsidered their initial majors from pursuit of nursing degrees to dual Masters/Ph.D programs. The students enjoyed networking with other like-minded students from across the country. They were exposed to nationwide opportunities for Summer Research Programs through The Leadership Alliance who has an impressive institutional membership list with 33 top ranked universities.
Summer Research Programs are great opportunities for students to work 8 to 10 weeks during the summer under guidance of a faculty mentor. Students engage in one-on-one collaborations, gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in academic research and scientific experimentation. Upon conclusion, each student gives an oral or poster presentation of their research at various symposiums, including the ABRCMS. Students receive a stipend, travel and housing.
STEM Club students Mayowa Balogun, Katrina Randle, Taylor Gilbert, and Chanale Jackson will share their experience during a PowerPoint presentation at the December 4, 2014 STEM Club meeting.