Abstracts – Room 121

1-121-1 // Creating Connections through Classroom Interaction and Activities

TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)

Presenters:
Dr. Dushanthi Herath – Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Maryville University
Dr. Sandamali Halpegamage – Adjunct Professor of Physical Science; St. Charles Community College

Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education

Time and Location: 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.; Room 121

Many students struggle with challenging math concepts, but engaging activities can significantly enhance their understanding. We can encourage continuous practice and student engagement by connecting real-life scenarios to mathematical applications and developing tailored study plans. This presentation will explore these strategies, emphasizing using LMSs and apps.


1-121-2 // KEEN inspired High Structure Course Design of EE2800 and its impact on STEM aspirations

TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)

Presenter: Dr. BJ Shrestha – Associate Teaching Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering; Missouri S&T

Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education

Time and Location: 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.; Room 121

This presentation is about the intersection of our STEM aspirations here at S&T and the efforts the presenter has made in developing entrepreneurial mindset content to integrate the KEEN principles of curiosity, connections, and value creation for EE2800 – Electrical Circuits, an undergraduate survey course taken by non-EE/CpE majors as a departmental requirement for graduation.


TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)

Presenter: Dr. Karalin Sanders – Library Media Specialist; Mansfield R-IV Schools

Audience: K-12 Education

Time and Location: 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.; Room 121

Are you looking for ways to combine STEM with literacy? Look no further than Novel Engineering! In this session, we will learn about Novel Engineering, explore projects, and brainstorm ways you can combine engineering and literacy in your K-12 classroom!


2-121-2 // Service-Learning in STEAM courses

TYPE: Learning Stack Sessions (15-20 minutes)

Presenters:
Amanda Gowin – Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science; Westminster College
Tami Ensor – Associate Professor of Education; Westminster College

Audience: Higher Education

Time and Location: 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.; Room 121

RESOURCES:

Service-Learning in STEAM Courses (GOOGLE SLIDES)

Service-learning has been well established as a high-impact educational pedagogy, blending academic coursework, meaningful community experiences, and critical reflection to improve student learning outcomes (Astin et al., 2000; Kuh, 2015; Mabry, 1998). As service-learning courses have increased, they have been shown to improve student outcomes within social, civic, personal and professional development (Jacoby, 2015; Kuh, 2015), along with their intended course outcomes. Westminster College faculty have expanded service-learning coursework in the STEAM field which have improved student learning outcomes, along with strengthening community partnerships through providing service.  This learning stack will share course examples and student learning outcomes in exercise science, nutritional sciences, Junior Achievement, and STEAM night.


3-121-1 // Teaching with Impact: Proven Techniques for Motivation, Persistence, and Positive Evaluations

TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)

Presenter: Dr. Guang Xu – Robert H. Quenon Endowed Associate Professor of Mining and Explosives Engineering; Missouri S&T

Audience: Higher Education

Time and Location: 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.; Room 121

This presentation explores effective teaching strategies that focus on building personal relationships with students to foster a supportive learning environment. It emphasizes motivational techniques to inspire learning, methods to reduce student frustration and promote persistence, and approaches to enhance student evaluation outcomes. By applying these strategies, educators can create more engaging and productive classrooms that encourage student success.


3-121-2 // Empathy Mapping

TYPE: Learning Stack Session (15-20 minutes)

Presenters:
Kate Glass – Aspen University
Becky Rose – Aspen University

Audience: Higher Education; K-12 Education

Time and Location: 2:15 – 3:00 p.m.; Room 121

RESOURCES:

WATCH VIDEO (PANOPTO)

An empathy mapping presentation introduces the concept of understanding users’ or learners’ needs, behaviors, and emotions by visualizing their experiences. The presentation typically walks through the four key quadrants of an empathy map: “Say,” “Think,” “Do,” and “Feel,” helping participants analyze how individuals perceive and interact with a product, service, or learning environment. This approach fosters user-centric solutions and enables better instructional design, content development, or project strategies.