Improving How Universities Teach Science: Lessons from the Science Education Initiative

Carl Wieman

ISBN 10: 0674972074 / ISBN 13: 9780674972070

Published by Harvard University Press, 2017

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Improving How Universities Teach Science: Lessons from the Science Education Initiative
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674972074
• ISBN 13: 9780674972070
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 544 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Too many universities remain wedded to outmoded ways of teaching science in spite of extensive research showing that there are much more effective methods. Too few departments ask whether what happens in their lecture halls is effective at helping students to learn and how they can encourage their faculty to teach better. But real change is possible, and Carl Wieman shows us how it can be brought about.

Improving How Universities Teach Science draws on Wieman’s unparalleled experience to provide a blueprint for educators seeking sustainable improvements in science teaching. Wieman created the Science Education Initiative (SEI), a program implemented across thirteen science departments at the universities of Colorado and British Columbia, to support the widespread adoption of the best research-based approaches to science teaching. The program’s data show that in the most successful departments 90 percent of faculty adopted better methods. Wieman identifies what factors helped and hindered the adoption of good teaching methods. He also gives detailed, effective, and tested strategies for departments and institutions to measure and improve the quality of their teaching while limiting the demands on faculty time.

Among all of the commentary addressing shortcomings in higher education, Wieman’s lessons on improving teaching and learning stand out. His analysis and solutions are not limited to just one lecture hall or course but deal with changing entire departments and universities. For those who want to improve how universities teach science to the next generation, Wieman’s work is a critical first step.

About the Author

Carl Wieman is Professor of Physics and of Education at Stanford University. He was the founding chair of the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Science Education from 2004 to 2009, and in 2001 won the Nobel Prize in Physics. He was named U.S. University Professor of the Year in 2004 by the Carnegie Foundation.