Georgia Teachers in Academic Laboratories: Research Experiences in the Geosciences

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Georgia Intern-Fellowships for Teachers Donna Barrett Georgia Institute of Technology December 6, 2005

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Experience

• 4 – 8 Week Summer Internship for Teachers • Corporate and University Settings • “Real World” problem solving and reasoning • Development of Inquiry Based Unit – Action Plan • Stipend: $5000 for 7 week experience • Goal: a systemic change that leads to students being better prepared for the workforce and higher education

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History

• Begin in 1991 with assistance from Industry Initiatives in Science & Mathematics (IISME) and the Triangle Coalition • 75 - 85 teachers per summer • 668 teachers in 1089 positions

4 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

GIFT Positions 1991 - 2005 Years

Total Corporate Research Other

Goals

• Increase student achievement • Motivate and encourage more students to study science, mathematics, and technology • Encourage inquiry-based learning • Increase teacher’s personal knowledge base of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics • Establish partnerships with teachers, businesses and universities 5

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Program Details

• 3 Types of Internships – Corporate – Curriculum Development – University Research: Traditional, International, Experiences with High School Students • Facilitators • Advisory Board • Professional Learning Community

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Program Structure

• Online application process • Online matching process • Teacher & Mentor Orientations • GIFT Teacher works with a Mentor • Small and large group summer meetings • Establishment of a professional learning community

Action Plan

• Needs Assessment • Implementation Plan – Teaching & Learning Goals – Inquiry Based Activities – Evaluation Plan • GIFT Work Experience Summary • Portfolio 8 • Communication Plan

Program Evaluation

• Series of Surveys: Teacher Fellows & Mentors • NSF-SWEPT Study • Horizon Evaluation • Upcoming: GIFT Alumni Survey • Focus Group Discussions 9 • Literature Review of Best Practices

2005 Geosciences Experiences

• Middle School Earth Science Teachers – Aerospace Engineering (1) – Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (3) • High School Teachers with High School Students – Teams of 3 High School Students (2) – In conjunction with STEP/Siemen’s Program – Geochemistry – Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 10

11 High School Teacher & Student Team

Teacher Interviews

• Have you maintained contact with your mentor?

• What do you consider to be the primary benefit of your participation as a mentor in the program?

• Action Plan Implementation 12

Mentor Interviews

• Have you maintained contact with your fellow during the school year?

• What do you consider to be the primary benefit of the GIFT research experience for teachers? For you as a mentor?

• Do you consider GIFT to be valuable to the scientific community?

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www.ceismc.gatech.edu/gift

15 Research Experience Video