The Life Sciences program and the departments of Earth & Ocean Sciences, Computer Science, Physics & Astronomy, Statistics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are currently being supported for carrying out a wide range of activities to improve undergraduate science education. Click on the links above for details on their programs.
Updates January 2012
January 2013 Update of Departmental Activities
For previous updates, click here.
Science Teaching & Learning Fellows
Many of the departments have chosen to hire Science Teaching & Learning Fellows. A Science Teaching & Learning Fellow (STLF) has a combined expertise in the specific departmental discipline as well as knowledge in relevant science education methodology and research. As knowledge transfer agents, they have a unique ability in assisting faculty members to implement the evidence-based education improvement model. A similar approach at the University of Colorado SEI has shown that STLFs are highly successful at introducing faculty members to new approaches to teaching and assessment of learning, and implementing sustainable educational improvements. The CWSEI central staff will work closely with the STLFs, providing guidance and advice based on cognitive science and science education research, and establishing a community of science education specialists.
During their terms, the STLFs will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining a web-based resource of all of the educational materials developed and tested, along with assessment results. This will help ensure that educational improvements are sustained The repository will be designed so that it will be easily accessed, shared, and employed by the UBC teaching community and institutions across Canada, as well as around the world.
STLF-Faculty Interaction Model
A general model for Science Teaching & Learning Fellow (STLF)-Faculty member interactions.
Poster on Department-based Science Education Specialists (STF/STLFs) as agents of change in university education — for the Facilitating Change in Undergraduate STEM Symposium, Western Michigan University, June 16-19, 2008.
