Assessing and Planning for STEM Development at Kapi'olani

University Of Hawaii, Honolulu

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Kapi'olani, one of ten public colleges in the University of Hawai.i (UH) system, is an urban institution offering comprehensive programs in integrated liberal arts and 21st century career education. The College is now widely recognized for learning-centered excellence and for integrating a coherent curriculum that connects and reinforces learning across classroom, campus, community and cyberspace. Our Goals and Objectives for this TCUP Planning Grant are: Goal 1 To conduct a detailed institutional assessment of STEM infrastructure. Objective A Identify specific areas of strength and weakness in the institutionalization of STEM at the College using an existing and proven .Institutional Assessment Rubric.. Objective B Assess strengths and weaknesses in the retention and academic performance of Native Hawaiian students in STEM programs at the College. Objective C Conduct a thorough literature review of STEM programs at Tribal Colleges, Native Alaskan, and Minority-Serving Institutions. Objective D Conduct a thorough literature review related to the strengthening of STEM infrastructure in American higher education. Objective E Identify existing UH system databases that can provide cyclical assessment data in monitoring STEM strengths and weaknesses, gains and losses. Objective F Identify gaps in existing UH system databases and engage in UH system dialogs to eliminate these gaps. Objective G Develop a campus site visit protocol to gather consistent and comparative data on STEM programs and active learning strategies during campus site visits. Objective H Employ the protocol instrument in examining exemplary STEM programs and active learning strategies at identified leadership colleges and universities. Goal 2 Develop an institutional plan to enhance the College.s STEM program. Objective A Identify STEM curriculum development needed to enhance student achievement of Quantitative Reasoning and Information Retrieval and Technology learning outcomes. Objective B Identify STEM curriculum developments needed to enhance student academic success in STEM majors. Objective C Identify best practices in enhancing the STEM academic performance of Native Hawaiian, Native American, Native Alaskan, and Minority students. Objective D Identify best practices in STEM faculty professional development. Objective E Explore and determine most appropriate and effective active learning strategies (inquiry-based, web-based, community-based, learning communities) for integration into STEM program. Objective G Identify key UHM faculty, community and business partners, and their roles in strengthening the STEM program at the College. Objective H Identify key K-12 school collaborations in STEM learning.