Centers of Excellence St. Catherine University




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Center Coordinator:

Yvonne Ng
Mathematical Sciences
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College HomeCenters of ExcellenceCenter for Women, Science and Technology › Why the Difference? Conference

Why the Difference? Conference Themes

The conference program centered around themes of best teaching practices that relate to greater achievement in science, technology, engineering and math. Session presenters:

  • presented research on the best practices;
  • presented implementation strategies about the best practices;
  • focused on girls and students of color in relation to the best practices; or
  • presented examples of best practices applied to lesson plans for STEM subjects.


Best Practices Themes and Examples of Subthemes




    ...Collaborative ...
    ...Learning



  • Group dynamics and balanced participation
  • Leadership roles
  • Collaboration in regard to gender and racial/ethnic group composition





    Inquiry and Activity-based Learning



  • Challenges with implementation
  • Risk-taking and classroom environment
  • Equity in access to materials and responsibility
  • Incorporating prior knowledge
  • How inquiry relates to girls and different racial/ethnic groups





...Gender
...issues



  • Gender equity
  • Single-sex classes vs. co-ed classes
  • Gender stereotypes and expectations held by boys, girls, teachers, parents, media
  • Cognitive and learning style differences
  • Appeal of content to both genders
  • Special programs for girls and students of color
  • Gender/race stereotypes





...Real world
...contexts



  • Relevance of examples
  • Problem-solving strategies connected to context
  • Cultural funds of knowledge
  • How real world contexts relate to different cultural/ethnic groups




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