Performance Differences and Persistence Outcomes in Undergraduate STEM Courses

Tim McKay

You’re invited to a general-audience lecture by Tim McKay, a professor with the University of Michigan, about the Sloan Equity and Inclusion in STEM Introductory Courses (SEISMIC). SEISMIC is a multi-year collaboration bringing together teams of faculty, staff, and students from 10 large public universities, including Arizona State University. These teams will work together on research and reform of introductory STEM education, focusing on equity and inclusion as key metrics of success. 

Abstract:

A recent study of undergraduates across five Big Ten research universities found that women in large classes in biology, chemistry, physics, accounting and economics performed about one-third of a grade point lower (e.g. A- to B+) than similarly situated men.

Understanding the basis for this gendered performance difference has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of poorer persistence patterns of women and other demographic groups in STEM, and to the development of means by which those differences can be eliminated. This talk will present the data that has led to the development of the SEISMIC project and will describe the project goals.

Alice Letcher
ajletche@asu.edu
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Life Sciences E, room 106