| Abstract | The FAST (Future Academic Scholars in Teaching) Fellowship Program (http://grad.msu.edu/fast/) at Michigan State University is for STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) doctoral students with interests in teaching, learning, and assessment in higher education. This academic-year long program was developed in 2006 in response to the national call for preparing future faculty to meet the changing needs and expectations in STEM education. Students selected for this program participate in group meetings and workshops with fellowship recipients, outside speakers, and Steering Committee members to discuss topics related to teaching and learning. Fellows propose, conduct, and evaluate a teaching-as-research project on a topic they select. Assistance with projects is provided by a mentor and Steering Committee members. Fellows present their projects at an end of the year symposium and are encouraged and supported to disseminate project results on websites, at conferences, and/or in journals. We evaluate the program annually with pre- and post-program web-based surveys and by individually interviewing fellows at least 6 months post-program. From 2006-07 to 2010-11, 44 doctoral students from five colleges and 18 departments have participated in the program (17 males, 27 females). The majority of the fellows were “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with the program. Fellows reported gains in: a) practical teaching skills, b) learning new pedagogical concepts and applications about teaching, c)their professional development, and d) broaden perspectives on diversity issues. Practical skills improved included: assessment of student learning, use of instructional methods, communication skills, and knowledge of diversity to teach effectively. Pedagogical concepts students learned from the program included: Bloom’s taxonomy, multiple kinds of assessment tools, backward instructional design, and how to conduct a teaching-as-research project. FAST is a high-engagement professional development program for STEM doctoral students designed to prepare them for their future roles in STEM education. |
