Tipping the Scale to Favor STEM Education

Do these initiatives sound familiar? Cover fewer topics more thoroughly and in ways that develop our students’ scientific thinking. Evolve to evidence-based teaching approaches. Improve ef... See More

Do these initiatives sound familiar? Cover fewer topics more thoroughly and in ways that develop our students’ scientific thinking. Evolve to evidence-based teaching approaches. Improve efforts to integrate STEM education and do so by engaging the entire STEM community. One may wonder why these forward thinking ideas have not been embraced and implemented across the country. This article addresses some of the reasons why and provides a way to help tip the educational reforms toward implementation. One of the first things the authors suggest is to read and share the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011) article entitled, “Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action.” The URL for a free copy can be found in the References. It contains many recommendations from STEM education researchers. Getting the word out may be that extra push that is needed to tip the scales in favor of rigorous, engaging, evidence-based undergraduate STEM education