SMI SUMMER INSTITUTE: Scientific Teaching

On June 16 through June 18, 2008, SMI hosted its inaugural 3-day intensive training for future and credentialed science and mathematics teachers.
Based on a new teaching philosophy modeled in
Scientific Teaching (Handelsman, 2007),
Professor Bradley C. Hyman conducted this highly interactive program.
Professor Hyman was recently named a National Academy of Sciences Education Fellow and is a recent
alumnus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute/National Academies of Sciences (HHMI/NAS) Institute on Scientific Teaching.
Participants examined principles and practices of "scientific teaching" that provided them with a new set of pedagogical tools to
help engage students with the wonders of science and mathematics.
The ultimate goal was to equip teachers with research-based teaching to return excitement back to the classroom.
The response to this professional development opportunity was overwhelming. The diverse pool of over 50 applicants displayed a wide range of teaching-related experiences,
ethnicity, teaching philosophy, and subject area of expertise. Due to SMI's limited resources, we were only
able to extend invitation to 11 SMI students and 3 SMI mentor teachers were selected. Upon successful completion of the training program,
each participant will earn a $500 stipend.
Participants were expected to:
- Complete outside class reading assignments by designated due dates (including pre-institute reading assignment)
- Demonstrate active learning
- Apply scientific teaching principles to science/mathematics topics
- Design and implement teachable lessons collaboratively with other participants
Dates |
Topics/Activities |
Reading Assignments |
Pre-Institute |
- Return Signed Letter of Commitment to SMI Resource Center
- Pick up Scientific Teaching textbook from SMI Resource Center
- Complete Pre-Institute Reading Assignments
|
Scientific Teaching(Handelsman)
- Chapter 1: pages 1-5 & 13-17 (and be aware of the glossary terms on pages 19-21)
- Chapter 2: pages 23-29
- Chapter 5: pages 83-91
|
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sign-in/Breakfast:
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.in Spieth 1110
Program begins: 9:00 a.m.
Lunch provided by SMI: 12:00 p.m.
|
- Welcome/Introductions
- What makes Scientific Teaching training unique
- Define: Scientific Teaching, Active Learning, Backward Design, Teachable Units
- Group Work
|
- “Scientific Teaching” Journal Article from Science Magazine
- Scientific Teaching (Handelsman)
Chapter 2: pages 31-45
Chapter 5: pages 91-97
|
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Program begins: 9:00 a.m.in Darwin Room
Lunch: on your own
|
- Develop learning goals to applied toward: Teachable Tidbit, Backward Design, Deiversity, Assessment
- How earlier topics may be applied to selected topic/concept
- Group Work
|
- Scientific Teaching (Handelsman)
Chapter 3: pages 52-59
Chapter 4: pages 78-82
|
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Program begins: 9:00 a.m. in Darwin Room
Lunch: on your own
|
- Practice Lesson Delivery
- Lesson Presentations
- Feedback
- Closing Remarks
|
N/A |
SUMMER INSTITUTE MEMORIES
Summer 2008 Participants:
Nathan Boss, Nancy Duong, Stephanie Fong, Mike Nelson, Elizabeth Marroquin, Emily Muhu, Imaya Ramos, Miguel Saucedo,
Matt Schiller, Fallyn Thompson, Joann Valencia, Karin Westerling, Leona Wong, Nicole Yumori