Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL)
Keeping Students Engaged in STEM
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has been selected to be one of four systems nationwide to partner in a National Science Foundation grant to build and sustain regional networks or faculty and administrators committed to improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching and learning. Leadership for the grant is provided by Project Kaleidoscope, a nationwide informal alliance of colleges and universities committed to building and sustaining strong undergraduate STEM programs. Local leadership is provided by Brenda Lyseng, STEM Project Specialist.
A series of workshops are available for teams of STEM faculty and administrators. The workshops feature exposure to various 'pedagogies of engagement' led by experts from the PKAL alliance. Special topics such as workforce partnerships, STEM facilities, and supporting student success, are also included in the agendas. During the workshops, campus teams work together on a Plan of Action to create a more supportive environment for student learning.
Upcoming events!
Go Green = Renew + Energy →Power of Engagement →G2 = (R+E)ENgagment
May 1 - 2, 2009, Minnesota State University Mankato, Mankato.
This workshop has been postponed until September, 2009. Watch for a new date!
This workshop is designed for high school teachers and college faculty to examine Pedagogies of Engagement which are useful in courses that examine various aspects of energy. Featured pedagogies are POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning), Case Studies, and Problem-Based Learning. You will have time and space to work on collaborative projects for use in your courses.
Past Events: The following workshops have been held:
- Workshop 1 April 25-26, 2008 at Southwest Minnesota State University
- Workshop 2 June 13-14, 2008 at North Hennepin Community College
- Workshop 3 September 19 - 20, 2008 at Century College
- Workshop 4 October 24-25, 2008 at Central Lakes College, Brainerd
- Workshop 5 February 27 - 28, 2009, part of Realizing Student Potential/ITeach at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
- Workshop 6 April 24 - 25, 2009 at Ridgewater College, Willmar
- Workshop 7 April 24 - 25, 2009 at Bemidji State University, Bemidji
- Workshop 8 was to be held May 1 - 2 at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The workshop has been postponed to early fall, 2009.
A special workshop focused on facilities was also offered. "Planning Facilities that Serve the Undergraduate STEM Learning Environment" was held February 12 - 13, 2009 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids campus. Workshop Information
Find out more!
- PKAL-MnSCU Website for upcoming workshops, workshop proceedings, discussions, campus action plans, classroom activities
- Pedgagogies of Engagement Grant
- MnSCU STEM Website for information on MentorNet, Grants, Events, Campus Projects
- MnSCU STEM Discussion Site for general discussions and sharing of STEM information
