2008-2009 Instructional Development Grants
CTL Instructional Development grants support active learning, assessment of student learning, and change initiatives related to teaching and learning. The 2008-2009 Instructional Development grant program focuses on improving student learning and increasing enrollments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. CTL, combining resources with the Office of the Chancellor’s Strategic Partnerships unit, awarded $333,475 for the following 13 projects.
Diann Marten, South Central College, $29,981 for Increasing STEM Enrollments and Student Learning in Introductory Chemistry
Develop a new introductory chemistry course structured to maximize student learning through the application of a learning cycle which integrates lecture, study groups, and laboratory activities.
Tony Greenfield, Southwest Minnesota State University, $30,000 for Creation of a Freshman Research Experience to Promote Enrollment and Student Learning in STEM Courses
Develop a Freshman Research Experience course with science faculty from several disciplines as a means to engage first-year students in the process of science.
Randall Sarkis, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie, $23,600 for Integration of LabVIEW with Technology Programs
Make hardware and software LabVIEW lessons and programs modular so that individual parts can be incorporated into specific technology programs such as fluid power, electronics, and manufacturing engineering.
Julie Myers, Anoka Technical College, $21,100 for Increasing Enrollment and Learning Through an Introduction to Technology Seminar
Develop an introductory technology seminar that will aid students in all programs in learning basic computer skills and applications, and open the field of information technology to nontraditional and underserved students by exposing them to introductory informational technology hardware, software, systems, and theory.
JoAnn Meerschaert, St. Cloud State University, $30,000 for Redesign of Cell Biology Laboratory to Provide Individual Learning Experiences
Develop laboratory exercises to be performed by individual students, rather than groups of students, to increase hands-on skills.
Linda Fuselier, Minnesota State University Moorhead, $30,001 for Increasing Participation of Underserved Populations in STEM Disciplines: Innovative Teaching Strategies and Collaboration Between Two-Year and Four-Year Institutions
Create peer-guided molecular biology and molecular ecology research experiences. Collaboration between Minnesota State University Moorhead and Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead.
Sandra Porter, Central Lakes College, $14,500 for Redesign of Applied Math Course
Redesign Applied Math course to use information gathered from students, faculty, and specific industry experts to produce a curriculum that is rich, vital, and highly experiential.
Marty Gaslin, Saint Paul College, $22,000 for The MARS Project (Math Applications through Robotics and Science)
Collaborate with Saint Paul Public Schools and Bemidji State University’s 360° Center of Excellence in Manufacturing and Applied Engineering to engage low-income, underrepresented students in high-level STEM projects through innovative contextual classroom instruction and extracurricular opportunities in robotics and other applications.
Julie Maxson, Metropolitan State University, $30,000 for Expanding Capacity in Earth and Environmental Science Lab Instruction
Expand access to environmental science courses for underclass students, increase overall enrollments, improve the quality of laboratory instruction, and engage students in civic responsibility for environmental problem solving.
Jacqueline Lindquist, Central Lakes College, $13,500 for Online Course Instructional Technology Integration
Integrate screen-capture video and podcasting within online mathematics courses to increase learning, retention, and engagement. Also, incorporate Web meetings and PC-tablet technology for individual and group sessions. These changes will enable students to ask questions and interact with the instructor and classmates and allow students to view weekly sessions on current material, replaying them as their time allows.
John Deming, Winona State University, $29,115 for Preparing Students for STEM Majors: A Thinking Skills Approach
Redesign a course to strengthen students' scientific reasoning skills, leading to greater student success in all areas of higher education. Using a skills-based remedial program, this redesign will develop quantitative-reasoning skills within the course.
Brenda Lyseng, Century College, $29,800 for Focus on Introductory Science Courses
Develop a new interdisciplinary physical science course that utilizes discovery-based teaching and learning. Embed existing introductory science courses with topics that explore the relevance of the theory. Expand support services of tutors and a Science Resource Center.
Becky Omdahl, Metropolitan State University, $29,878 for Summiting STEM Learning and Enrollments: Engaging Students and Faculty with Ideas, Innovations, and Career Exploration
Create a STEM Student Summit to bring together STEM high school seniors and undergraduate students and faculty from three system institutions for a day of innovations and team competitions. Create a Go-To-Work Day to offer students an opportunity to visit STEM work sites and see what professionals do on the job. Create a STEM Faculty Summit for faculty members from the Metro Alliance for a day of networking, information exchange, and innovations.
