Past Symposia Archive
STEM EDUCATION SLESNICKSYMPOSIUM
The late Dr. Slesnick retired in 1996 after a 33-year career on Western's College of Sciences and Technology biology faculty. During his 33 years in the biology department, he profoundly impacted thousands of students and future science teachers. His vision and tireless advocacy for improving science education played a critical role in gaining approval for constructing the Science Education Building and influenced its unique design. Slesnick was instrumental in the establishment of the current SMATE program housed in the building that continues the work he started. The annual Irwin L. Slesnick STEM Education Symposium is a tribute to his memory.
2024 Presentations
Django Paris
Keynote: What is Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy and Why Does it Matter In STEM Education
Dr. Julia Aguirre
Workshop: Cultivating Joy, Justice and Innovation in K-20 STEM Education
2023 Presentations
Dr Niral Shah
Keynote: Teaching for Racial Equity and Racial Justice Under the Permanence of Racism.
Dr. Kelly Hogan and Dr. Viji Sathy
Workshop: Co-authors Inclusive Teaching
2022 Presentations
Keynote: Critical-Cultural Boundaries to Inclusive STEM Teaching
Keynote: Beyond Western Science: Acknowledging Indigenous Science
Keynote: What Does Science Have to do With Race and Racism? Curricular Approaches to Anti- Racist Science Teaching
2021 Presentation
2019 Presentations
Beronda Montgomery
Keynote speaker
Higher Education Focus, "Re-envisioning Mentoring as Learning: Promoting Growth, Reciprocity and Success"
Workshop
"Charting a Path Towards Personal Success: Mentoring Roadmaps and Network"
Jonte’ C. Taylor
Keynote Speaker
K-12 focus, "Teacher Innovation and Leadership Experiences (TILE): Notes from a Rogue Teacher"
Workshop
Regina Barber-DeGraaff
Workshop
2018 Presentations
Susan Elrod
Keynote speaker
"Keep Calm and Paddle On: A model for fostering Systematic Institutional change for student success"
Workshop
"Navigating the River of Change: Finding your true north for STEM teaching and learning"
Jessica Cohen & Deborah Donovan
Workshop
Emily Borda & Daniel Hanley
Workshop
"Creating and Using new End of Course Assessments to Support Active Learning in the Classrooms" Powerpoint presentation
2017 Presentations
Suzanne Brahmia
Keynote speaker
"Mathematization: A Tight Cognitive Blend of Content and Practices"
Workshop
"Physics Invention Tasks: Developing Mathematical Creativity as a Scientific Practice"
Student Panel
2016 Presentations
Kimberly Tanner
Keynote speaker
Dan Grunspan
Andrew Boudreaux
"Promoting Student Metacognition in Introductory Physics"
Georgianne Connell, Deb Donovan, & Dan Grunspan
“Strategies to Create Effective Groups to Support Learning”
Kaatje Kraft
“How Student Interest and Motivation Influence Persistence in Introductory Geology Classes”
2015 Presentations
Rachel Beattie
Keynote speaker
"How Your Mindset Can Affect Your Success"
Workshop
"Growing Your Students Mindsets"
Hanna Jordt
"Eliminating the Achievement Gap"
Mary Pat Wenderoth
Student Panel
"Student Perspectives on Traditional vs Student Centered Learning"
2014 Presentations
Edward Prather
Keynote speaker
"Redefining the College Lecture: Facilitating Discussions in STEM Undergraduate Courses"
Workshop
"Facilitating Active Learning - From Fast Paced Formative Feedback to Group Problem Solving"
Catherine Halverson
"Active Learning Pedagogies Increase Student Learning in a Large enrollment Biology Class"
Georgianne Connell & Deborah Donovan
"How Do We Know Students Are Learning What We Think We Are Teaching?"