STEP: Gateway into First-year STEM Curricula: A Community College/University Collaboration Promoting Retention and Articulation

莱特州立大学(WSU)和辛克莱社区学院(SCC)正在合作开发共同的第一年STEM体验，预期结果如下：1.两所大学STEM专业一至二年的保留率增加10%；2.STEM专业从SCC到WSU的衔接增加10%。到该项目结束时，预计这一结果将使西北大学STEM毕业生的数量每年至少增加50名学生。这种模式可以很容易地转移到城市环境中具有类似开放招生政策的其他社区学院/大学二人组。在NSF支持WSU的国家工程数学教育模式之前，NSF支持WSU的国家工程数学教育模式表明，引入EGR 101《工程应用数学入门》，加上对早期工程课程的重大重组，导致一到二年级的保留率增加了10%，并增加了学生对数学和工程的动机和信心。基于这一早期的成功，本研究：1.在SCC.2实施EGR 101和相关的工程课程改革。为理科专业(科学思想和方法)开发一个以实验为基础的同伴班，SM 101/ASE 101，在华盛顿州立大学和南卡罗来纳州立大学任教。为两所院校的教师提供专业发展机会。培训STEM高年级学生/研究生担任实验室/复习助理，以及任何STEM入门课程的同伴导师。通过编写教科书和在专业会议上发表演讲来传播课程和相关的第一年经验。

Wright State University (WSU) and Sinclair Community College (SCC) are collaborating to develop a common first-year STEM experience with the following intended outcomes:1. A 10% increase in first-to-second year retention of STEM majors at both institutions 2. A 10% increase in articulation of STEM majors from SCC to WSU. The result is expected to increase the number of WSU STEM graduates by at least 50 students per year by the close of the project. This model is readily transferable to other community college/university dyads in urban settings with comparable open admission policies.Prior NSF support of WSU's National Model for Engineering Mathematics Education has shown that the introduction of EGR 101 "Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applications," coupled with a significant restructuring of the early engineering curriculum, has resulted in a 10% increase in first-to second year retention as well as increased student motivation and confidence in math and engineering.Based on this early success, this research:1. Implements EGR 101 and the associated engineering curriculum reforms at SCC.2. Develops a companion lab-based class for science majors (Scientific Thought and Method), SM 101/ASE 101, for instruction at both WSU and SCC.3. Provides professional development opportunities for faculty at both institutions.4. Trains STEM seniors/graduate students to serve as lab/recitation assistants, and peer tutors for any introductory STEM classes.5. Disseminates the curriculum and associated first-year experience through production of a textbook and through presentations at professional meetings.