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Increasing Student Engagement through Course Attributes, Community, and Classroom Technology: Lessons from the
Cristine Donham1, Cathy Pohan2, Erik Menke3
1Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Effective STEM teaching strategies enhance student engagement and reduce cognitive load, regardless of instructional format. This study identifies practices that helped diverse undergraduate students succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a framework for future pedagogical improvements.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Online Learning
- Pedagogical Strategies
Background:
- Many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructors continued online, hybrid, or hyflex teaching post-2021.
- Previous research highlights strategies for boosting student engagement and minimizing cognitive overload in diverse learning environments.
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated emergency remote teaching, prompting an evaluation of its effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify effective instructional practices that support student success, particularly for first-generation, low-income, and marginalized undergraduates.
- To explore pedagogies and technologies used during emergency remote teaching.
- To establish a framework for institutions to reflect on and adapt teaching practices for the future.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from undergraduate students, with a focus on diverse and underrepresented populations.
- Exploration of various teaching strategies and technologies implemented during emergency remote instruction.
- Qualitative and quantitative assessment of student experiences and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Certain pedagogical approaches and technologies were found to significantly increase student engagement.
- Specific strategies were identified that effectively decreased cognitive overload for students.
- Instructional practices that fostered a sense of belonging and support were crucial for student success.
Conclusions:
- Effective STEM education requires adaptable strategies that cater to diverse student needs across different instructional modalities.
- The insights gained from emergency remote teaching offer valuable lessons for designing inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
- Institutions should critically evaluate and adopt evidence-based practices to enhance future teaching and learning environments.
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