Tablet PCs, Interactive Teaching,
and Integrative Advising Promote
STEM Success
Ms. Cathy Lysy
Dr. Carla Romney
Dr. Juan Pedro Paniagua
Dr. Fabian Torres-Ardila
Science and Engineering Program
FYE- February 2011
Motivation for Integrating Academic
Advising with Mathematics Instruction
2009 Freshman Survey findings
One-third of respondents indicated that they planned to
pursue a STEM major upon matriculation.
Less than half of the students who specify an interest in
STEM upon college entry actually earn a STEM
degree within five years.
Students who initially entered undergraduate STEM
programs had substantially lower degree completion
rates (regardless of major) than their same-race
peers who entered other fields.
Hurtado et al.
//heri.ucla.edu/nih/HERI_ResearchBrief
_OL_2010_STEM.pdf
FYE- February 2011
Motivation for Integrating Academic
Advising with Mathematics Instruction
We postulate that….
success and retention in STEM disciplines
during the freshman year is dependent on
effective advising and student achievement
in mathematics.
FYE- February 2011
Science and Engineering Program (SEP)
Founded in the 1980’s, SEP’s mission is to enhance
students’ skills in introductory science and engineering
subjects, thus improving academic performance and
likelihood of professional success.
A two year transitional program for high school graduates
who do not receive direct admission to the College of Arts
and Sciences or the College of Engineering are referred to
SEP.
FYE- February 2011
SEP’s Unique Characteristics
Two-year program within a four-year institution.
Small class sizes.
Collaborative team environment.
Open and accessible culture.
Student access to University-wide resources.
Individualized academic planning and advising.
FYE- February 2011
College of Arts and Sciences Majors
College of Engineering Majors
Astronomy
Astronomy & Physics
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Economics & Mathematics
Environmental Analysis & Policy
Environmental Science
Geophysics & Planetary Sciences
Geography
Marine Science
Mathematics
Mathematics & Computer Science
Mathematics & Philosophy
Neuroscience
Philosophy & Physics
Physics
FYE- February 2011
Biomedical
Computer
Electrical
Mechanical
SEP students may pursue pre-medical, pre-dentistry, preoptometry, and pre-veterinary programs of study along
with a science or engineering major.
SEP students are guaranteed continuation at College of
Arts and Sciences or College of Engineering provided that
they earn a grade of C or higher in science, mathematics,
and major courses and possess a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0
or higher at the end of the sophomore year.
FYE- February 2011
Interactive Mathematics Classroom with Tablet PCs
Instructor produces recording of each class
session that integrates prepared PPT slides,
instructor’s in-class annotations on slides,
student work, and all classroom discussion for
post-class review.
FYE- February 2011
Advantages for Students Who Use Tablet PCs
Easier to take notes on teacher’s PowerPoint
slides, without having to focus on copying from
the board.
Fewer transcription errors lead to less confusion.
Peer critiquing/collaborative problem-solving and
learning.
Saves paper and printing costs.
FYE- February 2011
Advantages for Faculty Who Use Tablet PCs
More interesting presentation than PowerPoint
slides since it develops in real time.
Easier to engage students in problem-solving.
Easier to observe/correct student work.
Permanent record of class work for review by
students/colleagues.
FYE- February 2011
FACULTY
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
ACADEMIC ADVISING
SEP STUDENTS
ARE
STEM STARS!
BU COMMUNITY
UNIVERSITY SERVICES
FYE- February 2011
Faculty
Genuine desire to see students succeed.
Possess a love of and passion for teaching.
Share information with colleagues, students,
and parents.
Committed to the centrality of academic and
personal advising as vital to student
success.
Provide long-term and short-term mentoring.
FYE- February 2011
Academic Advising
Teach Freshmen Advising Seminar.
Provide personal and academic support.
Establish non-threatening relationships with
students.
Monitor student progress and make referrals
to support services.
Participate in community-building events.
FYE- February 2011
Boston University Community
BU provides unlimited opportunities for
academic and personal growth.
SEP’s vibrant and diverse community
supports varied interests.
BU Women in Science & Engineering
(BU WISE) specialty housing.
BU Undergraduate Research Program
(UROP).
FYE- February 2011
University Services
Extensive University support services:
Educational Resource Center
Office of Disability Services
Office of Residence Life
Center for Career Development
International Students and Scholars Office
University Service Center
Student Health Services,
Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Safety
Campus Ministries
SEP maintains collaborative relationships with all
University Services.
FYE- February 2011
Parents/Guardians
Parents are encouraged to communicate
with students to support student academic
and personal success.
Participate in Homecoming Weekend and
attend SEP Advising Seminar.
Boston University Parents Program nurtures
the BU spirit in home states/countries.
Parents value SEP’s “tough love” personal
approach.
FYE- February 2011
Tablet PCs in Mathematics: Measuring Effectiveness
• Small class sizes make it difficult to detect changes in
performance.
• Early Indicators:
– Attendance
– Instructor Evaluation
– Course Management Website Use
• Late Indicators:
– Retention in STEM
– Graduation
FYE- February 2011
Instructor Evaluation and Attendance Data
•
Tablet vs. Non Tablet:
– Instructor Evaluation- 4.66 vs. 4.83
– Attendance improved- 99% vs. 96%
FYE- February 2011
Course Website Utilization
FYE- February 2011
Change in Course Website Utilization
FYE- February 2011
Student Performance
Number
C- or less
Withdrawals
Non Tablet
(2005/2006/2007)
56
8
5
Tablet (2008/2009)
50
5
3
FYE- February 2011
Student Retention in STEM
Tablet PC
% in STEM
Non Tablet PC
% in STEM
End of 1st Semester
98
93
End of 1st Year
74
49
End of 2nd Year
63
33
FYE- February 2011
The Future
•
Find better indicators of student performance and retention.
•
Improve simulations of challenging concepts.
•
Expand Tablet PC offerings.
•
Share technology for face-to-face and distance learning
– GMS: Seminar in Clinical Research
– GMS: Healthcare Emergency Management Courses
– ENG: Circuit Analysis
FYE- February 2011
Challenges
Weak academic preparation and financial pressures.
Athletics, employment, ROTC, and other significant
commitments impede academic success.
Discouragement due to rigor of programs.
Need to improve study and time management skills.
Lack of knowledge of STEM fields and career paths.
Faculty Recruitment.
FYE- February 2011
MET EK 100 SEP ADVISING SEMINAR
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 12
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
How to Succeed as a Science or Engineering Major
Establish Your Foundation for Learning
CAS and ENG Departments: Treasures and Surprises
Academic Skills and Strategies: Succeed and Have Fun
Don’t Stress About It: Stress Management
Study Math and Science Effectively: Hints from those
Who Know!
Oct. 30 College Majors and Careers: What is the Connection?
Nov. 6 University Challenges Presentations
Nov. 13 Real Career Planning: The Nuts and Bolts
Nov. 20 Career Exploration Assignment Presentations
Dec. 4 Your Next Steps at Boston University
FYE- February 2011
QUESTIONS??
COMMENTS??
FYE- February 2011