Vol. 4 Issue 8 March 2024

CITI is pleased to share a new video project about innovative teaching practices called, "The 2 Minute Mentor" .To learn how to impact student success through this project, click the link below.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE GRAND OPENING: APRIL 10TH

The Center for Innovative and Transformative Instruction (CITI) and O'Kelly Library are excited to announce a new, state of the art, digital lab space that will open soon on the 2nd floor of O'Kelly Library. Construction for this digital space has taken place over the last nine months, and it will be open for student, faculty, and staff use.

TECHNOLOGY TOOL OF THE MONTH: ADOBE FIREFLY

"Sometimes you need a specific image you can’t find through conventional means, like a Zen garden on Mars. Create any kind of image quickly with help from Text to Image in Adobe Firefly."

Click below to explore the magic of Adobe Firefly.

CITI BLOGS

Click below to learn about the connection of soft skills and STEM courses.

Soft Skills: The Missing Curriculum in STEM Courses By: Katie Johnston Traditionally, when people think about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and careers, they often value hard skills—the technical knowledge and expertise needed to excel in STEM fields. However, the reality is much more complex as hard and soft skills are integral components of STEM education. Hard and soft skills complement each other to enhance a student’s ability to succeed in both academic and professional settings. Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills Hard skills are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify. Hard skills in STEM encompass the technical and specialized knowledge that students acquire in the STEM fields. Some examples of primary hard skills are data analysis; mathematical reasoning; scientific inquiry; programming and coding; lab techniques; and engineering design. Researchers and practitioners agree that STEM classes often teach hard skills and provide the technical expertise needed to excel in a particular field; however, STEM classes often lack opportunities for students to learn and develop soft skills. For instance, a report by Bloomberg revealed that while academic institutions focus on equipping students with the knowledge and hard skills for their future careers, businesses report that new hires are not prepared for success as recent graduates often lack the soft skills necessary for individuals to perform at a high level in the workplace. Soft skills are subjective skills that are much harder to quantify. Also known as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills," soft skills relate to the way you relate to and interact with other people. These “softer” skills enable an individual to adapt and succeed in the workplace. Examples of soft skills include clear communication; listening skills; conflict resolution; teamwork; problem-solving; critical thinking; adaptability; professionalism; and collaboration. Why teach soft skills? The modern world relies heavily on interpersonal skills, both in the workplace and in educational institutions. Soft skills complement hard skills and help students stand out in the classroom, increasing their chances of getting employed. Soft skills also promote work-life balance and equip students with better coping strategies for stressful situations. Soft skills aid in adapting to the organization and adjusting to the ever-changing workplace and strategies. They also enhance the capacity for listening, promoting mindfulness, empathy, and a better understanding of both people and their environment. How can we provide opportunities that incorporate soft skills training in our STEM courses? Encouraging Group Projects, Experiential Learning, and Teamwork One of the best ways to teach and develop a variety of soft skills in students is through group projects. Interpersonal communication, conversations, problem-solving, goal-setting, and other activities are typically part of group projects. Each student has unique learning potential, and with project-based learning techniques, they can blend hard and soft skills. Teaching Critical Thinking with Innovations and Experiments Critical thinking is one of the most important soft skills to emphasize while teaching soft skills to students. Teaching students critical thinking skills like assessing evidence, interpreting data, making cohesive arguments, peer review, and peer-to-peer feedback can be an effective way to help them develop those skills. It also increases student engagement and helps them see the relevancy of what they’re doing. Boosting Students’ Confidence and Communication Many students find speaking in front of a crowd challenging due to stage fright, particularly in college. Establishing friendships and learning more about classmates are some of the most exciting experiences in a student’s life, which presents an opportunity to work on acquiring this skill.

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENING....

IN YOUR CITI.

SORRY WE MISSED YOU!

Did you miss one of the CITI workshops last month? If so, we are happy to share resources to support the learning environment in your courses.