Transforming the Culture of STEAM Teaching and Learning at Central State University

Faculty #88
Discipline: Technology & Engineering
Subcategory: STEM Research
- Central State University
Co-Author(s): Suzanne Marie, Central State University

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In higher education, the lecture has become the standard delivery mode of instruction, thus leading to the passive learning of students. Passive learning has been known to be inefficient in sustaining mastery of learning for a long time. Methods of instruction that promote active learning, such as the flipped classroom, are proven to engage student self-ownership leading to sustainable life-long learning. A greater number of universities are promoting active learning in the classroom; however, this transformation is slow.
Today’s student lives in a fast paced, digital world where information is easily accessible and decisions are made quickly based on personal and tangible criteria. They desire to learn new topics at a fast pace, in a collaborative environment, and apply what was learned to real examples.
Standard methods of passive instruction combined with technology savvy students create a gap in supporting effective learning cultures. Instructors need to be facilitators in the classroom and students need to take greater ownership of their learning. A need exists to cultivate the learning culture both from inside and outside the classroom.
At Central State University, a pilot study is taking place where sound principles in active learning in the classroom are integrated with the creation of a social environment emphasizing the benefits of learning with a group of students sharing the same educational and career goals. Several courses will be changed to a flipped classroom to stimulate student active learning. A Scholastics Club has been created to promote a social environment of learning and professional development. Through aggressive marketing, a change in the general culture of students toward self-directed learning will take place.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF HBCU-UP

Faculty Advisor: None Listed,