February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University National Science Foundation-STEP* grants: to increase the number of STEM graduates in U.S. Colleges and Universities. Operation STEM: to increase the number of students who successfully complete the Pre-Calculus to Calculus II sequence and graduate with a STEM degree. Purpose of NSF STEP Grants & Operation STEM *STEM Talent Expansion Program

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University  Pre-calculus and Calculus are the “choke point” for STEM Majors  For the past 6 years at Cleveland State University, the highest Pre-calculus I pass rate was 66%. Problem

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University TermEnrollment * Withdrawals (Percentage & Number ) Pass Rate (Percentage & Number Passed with C or >) Fall % (19)49% (69) Spring % (9)50% (52) Fall % (26)46% (64) Spring % (21)49% (62) Fall % (21)51% (68) Spring % (21)60% (73) Fall % (20)56% (68) Spring % (22)51% (48) Fall % (22)57% (72) Spring % (22)40% (29) Fall % (12)66% (89) Spring % (12)57% (53) *Includes all official and unofficial withdrawals for MTH 167.

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University CSU’s Math Department Solution Target FTFT* Freshman who plan to major in STEM, and we provide them with: preparation & assistance in Pre-calculus and Calculus mandatory 2 extra hours/week in supplemental class (SPT Session) STEM Peer Teacher (SPT) instruction, mentoring and attention and fun! *FTFT = First Time Full Time

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Students Teaching Students Instruction Mentoring Attention Fun!

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University 10 paid hours per week per semester  3 contact hours with professor & Precalc students in lecture  2 contact hours with students in SPT session  5 hours outside lecture & SPT Session, planning, creating study/practice materials, mentoring, etc. SPT Semester Responsibilities May

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University They act as SPTs (STEM Peer Teachers)! Assist professor during the scheduled lecture class Assess students’ strengths and weaknesses through observation and prerequisite assessments. How DO Students Teach Other Students?

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Target weaknesses and improve strengths during 2 one-hour mandatory sessions per week. SPT sessions consist of helpful review, as well as mentoring, all from student peers who have had previous success in Pre-calculus & Calculus courses. How do Students Teach Other Students? Continued…

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University This is a new approach for CSU’s Math Department. Different than any other “study session.” Students respond extremely well to learning from their peers. Find it easier to ask questions to other students. How does Peer Teaching work so well?

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Act as somewhat of a liaison from student to professor. Seen as an authority figure and respected, yet also seen as a colleague on their level.

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Benefits of Being a Peer Teacher Networking Relationship with fellow SPTs and students Interaction with professors, chair and university administrators Reinforcement of own learning by instructing others

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Teaching education experience Personally rewarding Resume builder

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Benefits of Peer Teaching for the Students: More personal relationship. Been there, done that! Day-to-day support. Mentor, not just a teacher.

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University TermEnrollment * Withdrawals (Percentage & Number ) Pass Rate (Percentage & Number Passed with C or >) Fall % (19)49% (69) Spring % (9)50% (52) Fall % (26)46% (64) Spring % (21)49% (62) Fall % (21)51% (68) Spring % (21)60% (73) Fall % (20)56% (68) Spring % (22)51% (48) Fall % (22)57% (72) Spring % (22)40% (29) Fall % (12)66% (89) Spring % (12)57% (53) Fall 2013**1525% (8)81% (123) *Includes all official and unofficial withdrawals for MTH 167.

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University 2013 MTH 167 Pre-calculus I Survey Feedback If you took another mathematics course, would you take it with or without the SPT session? sessions? 34% WITH WITHOUT 66%

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University 2013 MTH 167 Pre-calculus I Survey Feedback Did you benefit from the SPT sessions? YESNO 83% 17%

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University OpSTEM Scholars & SPTs January 2014

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Who We Are? Matt Lysyj Sophomore Mathematics Major Education Minor 2nd Semester with Operation STEM Tim Lorion Junior Civil Engineering Major First Semester with Operation STEM

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University THANK YOU!

February 22, 2014 Operation STEM Cleveland State University Questions and Answers