Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Program Site: Connecting with Community Colleges

Overview

Beginning in June 2011, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, will offer a new three-year summer program for regional community college faculty designed to increase both the success of students with associate degrees who transfer into the Clark School's engineering programs and the interest of community college students in STEM classes and opportunities. The National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program, "Connecting with Community Colleges," will develop strategies for implementing new curricula in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses at the 100-200 levels and strengthen institutional relationships between community colleges and the University of Maryland.

The program will recruit up to twelve professors each year from eight community colleges: Anne Arundel, Carrollm Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's. Selected faculty will attend a six week, interdisciplinary summer program in which they will conduct research with Clark School faculty and develop ways to bring the latest concepts in technological innovation into their existing courses. Additional planned activities include weekly seminars to develop curriculum elements; lectures on ethics, safety, entrepreneurship and intellectual property, teamwork and informed discovery; and round-table discussions with Clark School faculty and staff about promoting interest in STEM majors to new undergraduates and ensuring a smooth transition for those who transfer to the university.

An academic year follow up program will include monthly online discussions about curriculum implementation, outside evaluations, and two half day workshops for participants to discuss their results and exchange course materials. In the long term, the Clark School will track the number and success of students transferring from participatingschools.

Objectives

The purpose of this National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Teachers in Engineering program is to increase the interest of community college students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) research and innovation. The goals of the project are to:

Engage community college faculty in cutting edge research;
Design relevant classroom materials based on the research experience of the community college faculty with the intent to foster student awareness, interest, and preparation for STEM academic studies and careers; and
Build relationships between community colleges in Maryland and the A. James Clark School of Engineering to facilitate the successful transition of Associate Degree students into the University of Maryland.

2013 Dates for Summer 2012 Participants

Spring Implementation Workshop: Saturday, May 11, 2013 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (2013 applicants are welcome to attend)

2013 Dates and Compensation

Applications to the 2013 RET Program will be accepted starting March 8, 2013 and will remain open until at least 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on April 12, 2013.
The RET Program will take place from Monday, May 20, 2013 to Friday, June 28, 2013, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Two half-day workshops will be scheduled:
- Saturday, December 7, 2013, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  (tentative)
- Saturday, May 11, 2043, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  (tentative)
Participants will receive up to $6000. Payments are made by check at the midpoint of the six-week summer research program, the end of the six-week summer program, and at the end of the implementation of the curriculum unit in your classroom, and at the completion of the December and May half-day implementation workshops and evaluation activities. If you end your participation before completing the study, you will be paid for your participation up to that time, at a rate of $190 per day. Please see the informed consent form for additional details.

On-line Question and Answer Sessions

Professor Isabel Lloyd, the program PI, will offer online Q&A sessions on Monday March 18, 2013 and Wednesday April 3, 2013 from 8:00–8:30 pm. If you would like to participate, please e-mail Professor Lloyd to receive an invitation. If you have specific questions you are welcome to include them in your e-mail.

View the Project Descriptions and Participating Faculty»
Informed Consent Form »
How To Apply »
Online Application »

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.