Embedded Learning Modules (ELMO'S): A New Approach for Teaching SME&T to Non-Science Majors

东北大学开发了一个概念-被称为ELMOS(嵌入式学习模块)计划-自然地将科学和技术方面的渐进式学习体验整合到非理科课程中。我们正在开发、实施和评估一套综合的实验室和实地经验，这些经验将自然地嵌入到非理科课程的必修主要课程中。我们的ELMO模型明确使用强化学习，在强化学习中，学生体验一套完整的、渐进的、累积的经验，以便对关键概念、方法和原则形成一致的理解。每一套体验都是由科学、工程和非理科教员组成的跨学科团队设计的，旨在与特定的非理科客户专业的学习无缝结合，以便学生认识到科学和技术与他们的学科兴趣直接相关。例如，音乐专业的学生在音乐课程中通过物理和工程实验向他们介绍波动现象，学习各种乐器产生声音的主题，以及为获得最佳声音效果而进行的礼堂的声学设计。这些实验室实验还辅之以实地经验，学生在其中与各自学科的专业人员互动，了解科学和技术在其工作中的直接应用--例如，通过访问当地交响厅和剧院学习和评估各种声学设计，以及通过与表演者和声学工程师的联合访谈。我们认为，学生只保留他们想要保留的知识和技能；如果科学和技术似乎与他们的学术和职业兴趣无关，他们将简单地完成这些领域中他们必须完成的任何入门必修课--并迅速忘记他们学到的原则和概念。因此，非理科专业的学生重新认识到科学、数学、工程和技术中小企业与技术在他们生活中的相关性是至关重要的。ELMO项目将相关的中小企业与技术课程嵌入到非理科课程中选定的必修课和连续课程中，从而实现了这一目标。ELMO科学与工程实验室诊所正在建设中，并为该项目配备了工作人员，这是该大学的一笔可观的财政投资，也反映了该大学对该项目的长期承诺。我们相信，与大多数本科院校目前采用的传统普通教育模式相比，通过ELMO计划，学生将获得并保持对科学和技术概念和原则的更广泛和更深入的理解。

Northeastern University has developed a concept - known as ELMOs (for Embedded Learning Modules) program - for naturally integrating progressive learning experiences in science and technology throughout non-science curricula. We are developing, implementing, and evaluating a set of integrated laboratory and field experiences that will be naturally embedded within required major courses in non-science curricula. Our ELMO model explicitly uses reinforcement learning in which students experience an integrated set of progressive, cumulative experiences in order to develop a coherent understanding of key concepts, methodologies, and principles. Each set of experiences are designed by cross-disciplinary teams of science, engineering, and non-science faculty members to mesh seamlessly with study within a particular non-science 'client' major so that students will recognize the direct relevance of science and technology to their disciplinary interests. For example, music students are introduced to wave phenomena through physics and engineering experiments in their music courses as they study such topics as the production of sound by various instruments, and the acoustical design of auditoriums for optimal sound effects. These laboratory experiments are supplemented by field experiences in which students interact with professionals in their disciplines to understand the direct applications of science and technology in their work - e.g., in the form of visits to local symphony halls and theaters for the study and evaluation of various acoustical designs and through joint interviews with performers and acoustical engineers. We contend that students only retain knowledge and skills that they want to retain; if science and technology seem irrelevant to their academic and career interests, they will simply complete whatever introductory required courses in these areas that they must - and promptly forget the principles and concepts that they learned. Thus, it is critical that non-science majors r ecognize the relevance of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology SME&T in their lives. The ELMO project embeds pertinent SME&T coursework in selected required and sequential courses in non-science curricula, thereby achieving this objective. An ELMO Science and Engineering Laboratory Clinic is being constructed and staffed for this project, representing a substantial financial investment by the university and reflecting its long-term commitment to this project. We are convinced that students will acquire and retain both broader and deeper understanding of concepts and principles in science and technology through the ELMO program than they do under the traditional general education formats currently in place at most undergraduate institutions.