TMCC Science Enhancement

Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt ND

Investigators

Abstract

This project has four key focus areas which are designed to provide opportunities for student learning, retention and success. The Outreach component targets the K-12 system to foster science exploration and success with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of students choosing STEM science careers. At the college level, the project will increase enrollment of STEM science majors through the development of new courses and programs. For retention of STEM students, the project will foster increased opportunities for student success. To increase completion/transfer/four year graduation rates, TMCC will initiate partnerships with four year schools to upgrade its curricula, initiate joint research and aid students in developing familiarity with four year schools. The project will conduct an in-depth review and revision of the existing TMCC science courses. This effort meets two critical needs: enhancing student learning by providing more hands-on activities and ensuring the curricula is consistent with the standards at four year schools. In the latter area, the project will foster partnerships between the college and four year colleges. These partnerships are expected to bridge the rural isolation experienced by the TMCC faculty and provide four year school familiarity to students prior to transfer. As this project is the demonstration of how involvement in learning impacts student achievement and career choices, it is applicable not only in STEM subjects but across the curriculum. The current literature suggests student learning is heavily impacted by how engaged the student is in the learning process. Using a results driven approach, the project will identify what enhancements positively impact student learning not only at the college level, but across the continuum of education. The results of this project can be replicated not only at the college level but in K-12 Native American programs.