Teaching Supports
Educational resources to support your scientific teaching endeavors.
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A survey of over 700 Summer Institutes alumni revealed that instructors used more scientific teaching in their courses when they saw more supports available to them (e.g., helpful peers, access to online resources, positive student responses). Seeing challenges to implementation (e.g., not having enough time, not feeling confident with scientific teaching) actually had little impact on instructors’ use of scientific teaching. Instructors were able to overcome such challenges with enough supports. By focusing on the network of available supports and working to identify and generate new forms of support, instructors may increase their capacity to adopt and develop evidence-based practices. (Bathgate et al., 2019)
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Active Learning
Videos and Resources Showcasing Active Learning Classrooms
Active learning method that involves peers learning from one another
Video featuring a classroom setup devoted to active learning. An active learning method that involves peers learning from one another
Repository for Envisioning Active Learning in STEM Classrooms (REALISE)
Step-by-step instructions on how to implement active learning in the classroom
Scientific Teaching Series - Active Learning Module
Comprehensive resource of active learning with embedded videos, and more
Biology (from PULSE Community)
Sample video featuring active learning in a biology classroom
Teaching Strategies and Tools
Teaching Strategies and Tools Supporting Scientific Teaching Principles
An internet-based student response system that does not require physical clickers. Students can use a laptop or cell phone to respond to polls. Can be used to monitor student learning before or during class. A free plan exists for educators.
A teaching approach where students often watch short video clips before class on course content and apply what they have learned in class using active learning.
A project from Harvard University designed to help instructors improve their teaching practices through community building, interactive lectures, and discussion facilitation.
A teaching approach where students learn material through a structured questioning approach developed by Eric Mazur’s group in physics.
Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL)
Resource site for a type of guided inquiry learning that engages students in the process of learning.
A wealth of resources on a form of active learning that involves collaborative work in teams.
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An interactive resource from Carnegie Mellon University that allows instructors to select teaching challenges and immediately be directed to solutions grounded in educational literature.
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Curricular Resources
Lessons, Lectures, Videos and Other Materials devoted to STEM Teaching and Learning
American Association of Physics Teachers - Resources for College and University Physics Faculty
Variety of links to resources for college and university physics faculty
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CourseSource is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal that publishes tested, evidence-based undergraduate activities in biology and physics. The articles include details in a format, style, and voice that supports replicability. Publishing activities in CourseSource provides authors with recognition of the creativity, experience, and time needed to develop effective classroom materials, while also supporting the dissemination of evidence-based teaching practices. Authors can list CourseSource articles in the peer-reviewed publication section of their curriculum vitae and use them as evidence for excellence in teaching.
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Variety of science education films, lectures, and lessons that can be incorporated into courses
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A Harvard-led collection of online labs, instructional units, and simulators. Content crosses all STEM disciplines.
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Variety of curricular resources for physics classrooms
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PhET Interactive Simulations project from University of Colorado Boulder PER group
Free interactive science simulations to engage students in an intuitive, game-like environment​​
Physics Education Research Central
Centralized resource for evidence-based physics education research containing curricular materials (course packages) in physics​
Scientist Spotlight
Provides interviews with scientists to aid with career exploration and development.
PBS NOVA “The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers”
Brief features on the work of scientists and their interests in and outside of the lab.
Scientists, mathematicians, and other professionals share their life stories through interviews.
Esther Lederberg, “Pioneer of Bacterial Genetics”
Biography of the woman who discovered fertility plasmids and bacterial conjugation.
Behind the Scenes at MIT: Stories of Chemists
A library of videos from undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral researchers, and PIs where each scientist talks about their current research and shares a personal story.
Excerpts and quotes from 12 women leading in various STEM fields.
Charlie Rose Interview with Paul Nurse
Nobel Prize winner Paul Nurse discusses advancements in medicine and cancer treatment.
Videos with advice and stories from scientists focused on medicine and patient care.
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