W1 - Developing STEM Literacy: Student Progression through Classroom-Based Reading, Reflection, and Dissemination Practices

Program Abstract: STEM Literacy is an oft-discussed intervention, but can be difficult to meaningfully integrate into content-focused curricula. When effectively introduced and assessed, literacy-based pedagogy offers methods by which students can explore higher-level learning and personal expression of scientific concepts. Classroom interventions from structured note-taking and informal discussion posts, through scaffolded writing assignments, empower students to describe complex concepts using clear and understandable terms. In this workshop, participants will derive literacy-focused activities appropriate throughout the STEM curriculum. We will share examples of scaffolded projects rooted in the scientific process. Courses with an inherent framework of literacy, including CUREs and Curriculum-through-writing courses provide a foundation of literacy by which students can comfortably explore novel topics. The iterative use of rubrics will be presented as a further method to build student understanding and success. The impact of writing and literacy across multiple course levels and modalities permits greater, and more meaningful, learning for students.