As global leaders in the field of project-based learning, WPI faculty and staff are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise with other academic institutions around the world. In keeping with this focus, Kris Wobbe (associate dean of undergraduate studies and associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry) and Mia Dubosarsky (director of professional development at the STEM Education Center) recently sat down with Drew Perkins of TeachThought Professional Development to discuss all things STEM and project-based learning, as well as each one's integral role in the education of students at all grade levels.
At WPI’s STEM Education Center, we believe that teaching STEM is more than simply emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
STEM is an educational philosophy, a way of teaching that prepares students for the world of the future by creating interconnected, meaningful and relevant learning experiences, and promoting skills that allow students to become successful problem solvers.
We build and support the capacity of STEM educators to provide equitable opportunities that excite and inspire all students by offering standard-aligned PBL experiences tackling issues of real-world relevance.
The STEM Certificate course gave me the confidence to make connections between math and science and the courage to incorporate engineering into my lessons. I am now empowered to try things that used to be considered “out of my comfort zone”.
Kristy Ditrano
Middle School Math Teacher
PS/IS 119 in Glendale, Queens, NY
The WPI STEM Education Center is like a one stop shopping STEM experience for me; I can attend a PD session one day and implement it in my classroom the next day; I can even get materials on loan from the Center if needed. It's fun AND easy to use!
Christine Robbins
STEM Teacher
Auburn Middle School, Auburn, MA
The STEM Education Center was instrumental in launching our district-wide STEM initiative in 2018 and we have continued to access their PD offerings for ongoing support, guidance, and enhancement ever since! We could not have gotten this far without them!
Shawn Fortin
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Belchertown Public Schools, Belchertown, MA
The process we went through with the STEM Education Center was truly a transformational experience for not only our district but for myself as a school leader. Walking through our classrooms, the imprint of that collaborative work can be seen everywhere.
Andrew Hall
Principal
Elmwood Street School, Millbury, MA
The STEM Education Center provides exceptional support for and collaboration with educators for successful STEM implementation that is individualized to meet each school’s needs and missions.
Nana Abdelkader
STREAM Consultant
Alhuda Academy, Worcester, MA
My collaboration with WPI STEM Education Center has changed my life as an educator. I've never been more confident to incorporate STEM Education in my teaching practice for young children.
Suchira Channoi
Teacher
Worcester Head Start, Worcester, MA