Making a Difference in the Classroom Supporting Engagement, Outreach, and Impact

Ann Kaiser akaiser@projectengin.com B.S. Metallurgical Engineering Columbia University. International Fellow Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. Masters Degree - World Resources and Technology Transfer. Product and market development experience in the metals industry. High school physics, math and Engineering teacher (16 years). Fulbright Distinguished Teacher 2012-13; Singapore Top Overseas Teacher – Singapore Ministry of Education 2014 2017 SBA New England Regional Micro-entrepreneur of the Year Author “E” Is The Key: Engage, Empower, Engineer; release early 2019.

ProjectEngin Vision Engineering is natural Designed world needs to be part of every student’s education Bring imagination, creative students into the “mix” Use the Engineering Design Process to support Project-based learning Highly transdisciplinary; skills-based Teacher- focused. Support via training and curriculum design

Engineering Design as a Framework for Active, Project-based Learning Engineers ask “how” Application of concepts supports expert thinking and mastery The need to modify and optimize creates deeper exposure to ideas Well-designed projects support student choice and student engagement

Why Re-Engineer Education? Education for the 21st century needs to provide a frame work for creative analytical thinking problem solving skills that can adapt to a rapidly changing world global thinkers who can manage and improve their world ethically

ProjectEngin Approach Product Professional Development for teachers Onsite, in-class coaching Curriculum design and implementation Process Know your audience (teachers, school, students) Leverage what they have Connect to what they “need” to teach Work with all resources to provide authentic learning experiences centered around Engineering

Who is in That Classroom? Digital natives versus digital pioneers Prefer “in person” or “face-to face” versus solely digital collaboration Technology is a backdrop, not a breakthrough Think in terms of “roles” versus “jobs” Entrepreneurial Aware of real issues; post 9/11 world, 2008 recession, constant access to news; pragmatic Technology has made collaboration, communication, and creativity part of Gen Z

Reaching Them Project Tomorrow Speak Up Survey 138,000 middle school students 30% very interested in STEM career (same as 2003) 50% somewhat interested in STEM career (same as 2003) Indications that current outreach and programs retain not recruit   Students expressed a preference instead for digital solutions to learn about careers vs mentoring or competitions More interested in experiences and relationships than hearing about products and programs How you got to where you are, the kind of people you interact with, “side trips” along the way engages them more Many young people feel the need to be math and science wizards in order to pursue these fields; need reassurance that there is room for all ways of thinking

Collaborative study by Destination Imagination, National Girls Collaborative, Educational Research Center of America, and NAPE Key findings Creative experiences in STEM classes increases confidence Micro-messaging accumulates can be highly discouraging Freedom to fail supports needed “growth mindset”

Talking to Teachers Time is a very valuable commodity to a teacher Connect to content Next Generation Science Standards Common Core Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEEA) Connect to skills-based learning 21st Century Skills Growth Mindset Systems Thinking Global Competencies Know the interests, talents, and background knowledge that your audience already has

Embed, Engage, Evolve Embed Don’t be an “add-on” Plan ahead with the teacher Engage Students are your allies; engagement is Rule 1 in learning Personal connection supports engagement Evolve Avoid “one and done”; become part of the class Look for broad connections to what your company does

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela akaiser@projectengin.com http://www.projectengin.com/ @ProjectEngin