UCLA has joined the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, established in 2003 with support from the National Science Foundation to improve teaching skills and increase the diversity of future university faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
UCLA is among 25 new members joining the center during a recent expansion that more than doubles the network’s membership. The center is committed to developing local learning communities that promote proven teaching and mentoring techniques for STEM graduate students.
According to Kitch Barnicle, the center’s executive director, “Historically, STEM graduate coursework and effort have been focused on creating researchers in specific academic fields. As a matter of fact, new professors often face their first classes of students with little preparation in teaching. Our goal is to develop great researchers who also are great teachers, not one or the other.”
The center stresses the use of successful, evidence-based strategies proven to promote active learning and to help STEM students from all backgrounds succeed and complete their degrees. Teaching strategies include connecting classroom topics to real-world situations, promoting inclusive learning, encouraging teamwork through shared projects and study groups, continually assessing student progress and using research skills to advance effective teaching practices.
