Targeted Infusion Project:Promoting Student Engagement and Success in STEM through a Combined Approach

历史上的黑人学院和大学本科生计划（HBCU-UP）通过有针对性的输液项目支持开发，实施和研究以证据为基础的创新模式和方法，以提高HBCU本科生的准备和成功，使他们可以追求科学，技术，工程或数学（STEM）研究生课程和/或职业。本项目旨在提高Tougaloo College大一学生在入门科学课程中的坚持性和保留率，并增加研究机会。本项目的目标将通过结合两种教学法来实现，即适应性学习和POGIL（过程导向探究学习），这两种教学法已被证明对改善学生的学习体验和成果是有效的。该项目设计帮助不同背景知识水平的学生在掌握普通化学课程的概念方面达到相同的能力。为了确保没有准备好的学生的成功，将开发一个新的课程，将数学成分与化学概念相结合。本课程将帮助学生建立科学和数学技能之间的联系，这有利于他们在高级课程的学习。该项目还通过独立和基于课程的本科研究经验，装备和从事研究的一年级学生。该项目的最终目标是提高学生攻读STEM专业的能力，并提高HBCUs的STEM教育和研究质量。通过该项目开发的方法将为面临一年级STEM学生流失挑战的大学提供一个有效的模式。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. This project seeks to improve persistence and retention in gateway science courses and increase research opportunities for freshman students at Tougaloo College.The goals of this project will be realized by combining two pedagogies, adaptive learning and POGIL (process oriented guided inquiry learning), that have been proven effective in improving students’ learning experience and outcomes. The project design aids students of various background knowledge levels to reach the same competency in mastering concepts in general chemistry courses. To ensure the success of unprepared students, a new course which incorporates math components with chemistry concepts will be developed. This course will help students build connections between science and math skills which is beneficial for their learning in advanced courses. This project also equips and engages first-year students in research through independent and course-based undergraduate research experiences. The ultimate goal of the project is to increase students’ strength in pursuing a STEM major and to improve the quality of STEM education and research at HBCUs. The approaches developed through this project will present an effective model for colleges facing the challenge of first-year STEM student attrition.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.