SMET Research and Training Center

University Of The District Of Columbia, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

The University of the District of Columbia plans to establish a Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (SMET) Research and Training Center to develop and implement strategies to teach and retain students in SMET courses. Specific objectives for organizing the Center are to: 1. Modify the content of entry level (gate-keeper) science, mathematics and engineering courses for undergraduate students to enable them to improve their performance and retention rates in these programs, to improve performances on graduate and professional school standardized tests,and increase their competitiveness for employment opportunities; 2. Develop procedures that will be used to improve science, mathematics, engineering, and technology capabilities of faculty and students by identifying and planning activities such as seminars, symposia, and workshops to expose them to current trends in the various disciplines; and 3. Obtain information on the current status of teaching and research facilities in the Biological and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry and Physics, Mathematics , and Engineering programs in order that a strategy can be developed to improve laboratory infrastructure which includes obtaining equipment and adequate space that will enhance faculty and undergraduate student research. The SMET Center is designed to improve the academic performance and increase student retention. Entry level (gate-keeper) science, mathematics and engineering courses in the SMET curricula will be revised to add a research component to the laboratory courses in order to emphasize reasoning skills and stimulate logical thinking. This activity is designed to develop a long-term dynamic curricula that can adapt to changing technologies. One hundred freshman students will be randomly selected to participate in the center. Fifty students will have declared majors in one of the SMET disciplines and 50 will be undeclared majors. The participants will be followed through graduation to determine the impact of the SMET Center activities on course attendance and completion rates, passing rates, research activities, grade point averages, graduation rates, enrollment in graduate and professional schools and employment. The Center administrators will consist of the principal investigator , two co-principal investigators and an administrative assistant. The administrators will plan and implement Center activities with the advice and support of the advisory committee. The principal investigator will have the primary responsibility of supervising all aspects of the program with the co-principal investigators assuming the day-to-day operations of the Center, such as, organizing, conducting and, implementing the activities. An advisory committee consisting of scientists and administrators (7), as well as, two consultants will complete the administrative core. All faculty in the SMET disciplines will be invited to participate in the center. They will participate in enrichment activities (research, workshops etc.), implemented by the Center. These activities are expected to produce energetic faculty, committed to teaching and research. They will utilize improved teaching techniques and computer technology to make courses interesting and stimulating. The status and availability of research and teaching facilities in the SMET disciplines at UDC will be assessed by consultants. The consultants (2), selected from UDC faculty, will inventory current equipment and available space in the University for teaching and research. Additionally, the consultants will provide information concerning available research facilities in government, industry, and research-intensive universities in Washington.