The STEM Teaching, Engagement and Pedagogy (STEP) Program is designed to encourage research-focused STEM faculty to become more knowledgeable about Evidence-Based Instructional Practices (EBIPs) and to support the implementation of targeted strategies borne out of this type of research.

The STEP Faculty & Student Partnerships Program is strategically blending the often-isolated approaches of faculty development and student success to create faculty-student partnerships that train both faculty and Learning Assistants (LAs) to create classroom communities that will enhance student learning and faculty satisfaction. This strategic plan to blend evidence-based instructional techniques with peer instruction initiatives, like Learning Assistants, will ensure consistency in the evidence-based approach for faculty and students, enhance training for faculty and LAs, ensure regulatory compliance (i.e., FERPA), provide access to Blackboard and ultimately create a central hub for faculty and students to partner.

The goals of this project are to emphasize faculty and student partnerships while training and supporting STEM faculty in the use of EBIPs from course conception and development through classroom implementation.

Since 2016, 105 faculty from twenty departments, and seven colleges have been, or are currently being trained in using Evidence-based Instructional Practices (EBIPs) across the STEM disciplines and beyond.  This includes thirty-six faculty who are trained specifically in peer instruction pedagogy to serve students in forty-four course sections. The STEP Faculty & Student Partnerships Program is on target to have over 220 LAs partnering with TTU faculty in fall 2023.

If you are ready to be excited about your courses again and are interested in having Learning Assistants assigned to your course to help you improve student critical thinking simply fill out the short application linked below:

Benefits of STEP for 2024-2025

• Course Development, including:
  • Syllabus creation
  • Implementation of Learning Assistants
  • Content creation and organization
  • Technology Assistance
• Virtual & F2F Discussions on pertinent topics
• Live Workshops Presented by Faculty
• Mid-semester Student Survey Administration & Analysis
• Networking with other STEP Faculty
• $500 Research/Supplies Allowance

 Learn More About LAs and Get Started!

 

 

 

FACULTY: REQUEST LAs FOR SUMMER & FALL 2025 HERE