Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative
An $11M initiative that transformed undergraduate science education at UBC and beyond with an evidence-driven, department-based approach.
The initiative dramatically improved undergraduate science education through its participating UBC Science faculty members adopting evidence-based, interactive teaching methods. Over 200 course projects were undertaken, leading to substantial improvements in over 100 courses, reaching over 16,000 UBC undergraduates each year--about three-quarters of student enrolment at UBC Science.
Key summary publications
About the Initiative
A key aspect of the model for change was the embedding of Science Teaching and Learning Fellows in departments to support a four-step, scientific approach to teaching:
- Establish what students should learn
- Scientifically measure what students are actually learning
- Adapt instructional methods and curriculum and incorporate effective use of technology and pedagogical research to achieve desired learning outcomes
- Disseminate and adopt what works
The model
More about the CWSEI, contributors, fellows, and related efforts.
The outcomes
Explore the outcomes of the CWSEI--on how science is taught at UBC, departments, reports and research.
Guides and resources
In addition to the summary publications mentioned above, this collection of guides and instructor resources has been developed by the CWSEI for a range of audiences. View all resources here and search all resources here.
For senior administrators
- Transformation Guides: Includes institutional-level reflections
- Measurement Tools: Classroom observation, teaching practices inventory, and more
- The Science Education Initiative Handbook: Advice on implementing an SEI program at your institution
For instructors
- Instructor Resources: Evidence-based resources and recommendations on course and activity design
- Evidence-based science education in action: Videos from university STEM classrooms, with key strategies
- Transformation Guides: Includes course-level transformation guides
- SEI Materials Archive: Course materials developed by departments
- Clicker Resources: Video, guides, clicker questions, and more
For STEM education researchers
- Research on Learning: Recommended readings and links to SEI research
- Workshops and Events: Slides and posters from annual end-of-year events
- Measurement Tools: COPUS (Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM), Teaching Practices Inventory, and more