We hope the information available on this website is informative and aids in preparing reflective educators that can develop rigorous and positive STEM mindsets. Effective STEM Educator mindsets set the stage for the next step in this journey, fostering students that are capable and creative in their STEM thinking. We believe that modeling a positive STEM educator mindset is one of the first steps to unlocking a learner’s discovery and cultivating lifelong learners, who can solve real world life problems by using inquiry when faced with a challenge. Below are upcoming activities this team is embarking on to further develop the future of this project.
To continue this work, the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) is submitting an NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Conference Proposal Grant. The conference, titled Developing and Supporting STEM Mindsets in Elementary Teachers, will convene PreK-5 STEM education influencers to explore this research project’s best practices, tools, and how to leverage them across formal and informal educational settings. Bringing together a mix of informal and formal STEM education influencers, this two-day conference in early 2021 will bridge the gap between the learning environments to empower all with best practices that encourage teachers’ and students’ learning and interest development in STEM.
Not only is the conference informed by this website, it is also grounded in the theoretical foundation of the STEM Framework for Success, a set of conditions and practices, and outcomes that experts believe are needed to provide all students with access to excellent and equitable STEM teacher and learning. The STEM Framework, created in partnership between NMSI, SRI International and 100Kin10, is a research-based anchor for sustainably expanding access to and success in STEM for all students in PreK-12.
During the conference, NMSI will engage a diverse group of education influencers focusing on sharing and disseminating best practices and instructional strategies in elementary STEM. Through this work, NMSI will address the following key question: How can we build the knowledge of and confidence in elementary educators across learning environments to effectively engage students in STEM learning? In the pursuit of addressing this key question, NMSI will also look to achieve the following:
• Increasing the confidence of STEM education influencers in applying new strategies in their respective learning environments
• Provide resources for STEM education influencers that can be easily adapted and implemented in their learning environment
• Provide strategies for education influencers that allow them to increase STEM educator confidence in shifting student STEM mindset
Our “Developing and Supporting Elementary STEM Mindsets” team has submitted a proposal to lead a breakout session at the 8th annual California STEAM Symposium being held virtually from December 11-13, 2020. Visit steamcalifornia.org for more information about this amazing peer-led professional learning gathering!
About the California STEAM Symposium:
“It is the largest gathering of teachers, administrators, students, higher-education representatives, program providers, philanthropic partners, and industry experts in California. Each year, thousands of participants explore trends and discover advances in STEAM education. It highlights leaders in classroom innovation from across the state and attracts student teams to showcase critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork to help meet the needs of a variety of learners. From local solutions to global challenges, imaginative problem solving is at the core of STEAM education. Partnerships and community involvement connect learning beyond the K-12 classroom and elevate diverse voices. The Symposium has a special focus on increasing the participation of women, girls, and underrepresented groups in STEAM fields.
In 2019, attendees represented 240+ districts, 57 Institutes of Higher Education, 40 Public Charter Schools, 40 Independent Schools. In addition to California, 22 states and 3 Canadian provinces participated! The Symposium emphasizes inclusive team efforts to help STEAM education thrive. The STEAM Symposium is an initiative of Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation (CDEF) co-hosted with the California Department of Education and the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. It is part of a year-round cycle of activities promoting STEAM education.”