Carnegie Mellon University and Intermediate Unit 1 - STEM Center
Southwestern Pennsylvania
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Survey
We need your input!
In an effort to provide high quality professional development opportunities that meet the needs of science, mathematics, technology and engineering teachers in the region, we need your help. Please complete this brief nine-question survey by June 10, 2008. All participants will be entered into a drawing for Barnes and Noble gift cards (drawing on June 10). If you have any questions about this activity, please contact Judith Hallinen at Carnegie Mellon, educational-outreach@andrew.cmu.edu
The identifying information will not be stored with your responses; we will only contact you if you are the winner of one of the Gift Cards.
First Name
Last Name
Email
School district
School
Discipline(s)
Grade Level(s)
Position:
Teacher
Counselor
Administrator
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION IN MIND AS YOU ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
STEM Education (from the STEM Ed Caucus Steering Committee, US Congress):
Our knowledge-based economy is driven by constant innovation. The foundation of innovation lies in a dynamic, motivated and well-educated workforce equipped with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills. However, the nature of our workforce and the needs of our industries have changed over time. Today, an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and the problem solving skills developed by courses in STEM are necessary for most jobs. Therefore, STEM education is an enormous and pressing need.
STEM Education is responsible for providing our country with three kinds of intellectual capital:
Scientists and engineers who will continue the research and development that is central to the economic growth of our country.
Technologically proficient workers who are capable of dealing with the demands of a science-based, high technology workforce
Scientifically literate voters &citizens who make intelligent decisions about public policy and understand the world around them
SURVEY STARTS HERE
1. Has "STEM Education" been a topic of discussion in your district and/or school?
Yes
No
2. CAREER EDUCATION: In School
Do the majority of students in your building participate in the following types of activities?
Already
Do
Would Like
to do
Don't Want
to do
N/A
Career Day(s)
College Fairs
Career Aptitude Programs (Work Keys, My Career Journey, etc)
Academic Challenges or Competitions (TSA, Science Olympiad)
Guest Speakers
Interdisciplinary projects
3. CAREER EDUCATION: University or Business Partnerships
Do students in your building participate in the following types of activities?
Already Do
Would Like to do
Don't Want to do
N/A
Field trips to business / industry sites
Job Shadowing / Mentoring
Internships
Real world projects with businesses or univesities
Other Career Ed Activities (describe)
4. In a nine week period, how often are you able to integrate discussions that help students become aware of STEM careers?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Never
5. Please indicate topics that would help you to more effectively prepare students for STEM careers;
Career Awareness - "What are the jobs?" "What is necessary for success in these careers?"
Implementing Interdisciplinary Activities - integration of content learning in science, technology and math
Inquiry-based activities - develop curiosity and innovation skills
Helping students to collect and analyze data
Biotechnology
Robotics and/or Computer Science
Engineering and Design
Energy and the Environment
Computer Applications (Simulation, 3-D modeling, interactive educational gaming, etc)
Other topics of interest:
6. Which of these professional development options are of interest to help you provide more effective career awareness?
Visits to and tours of STEM Industry and/or research laboratories
Paid "Educator in the Workplace" activities in local companies
Video conferencing with personnel in industry or research labs
University Workshops and activities
Intermediate Unit or university workshops and courses (for Act 48 hours and/or credit)
Other Professional Development activities
7. Indicate the structure of professional development programs that are of interest to you (select all that apply):
Time of Year:
Summer
Academic year / after school
Academic year / Saturday
Format:
Commuter
Residential
Online Learning
Schedule:
Longer days/ fewer sessions
(ex: Five 6-hour days)
Shorter days/ more sessions
(ex: Ten 3-hour days)
Any / All
8. How far are you willing to drive for a professional development program? Enter a number of miles (a one way "commuter" drive).
9. What are the barriers that prohibit your participation in STEM professional development activities? (select all that apply)
Distance / location
Family Obligations
Length of the program
Cost
Lack of STEM-focused programs offered in my region or for my district
Awareness of programs
Other barriers:
10. (Optional) Other Comments about STEM Education and/or STEM Professional Development that you would like to share.
Thank you for taking time to complete this survey!