Online Content

  • Zaraza, Ronald J., "The CC-STADUS Project: Developing and Nurturing a Cadre of Pre-College Teachers Using System Dynamics/Computer Modeling in the Classroom"

    Type:
    Document
    Date Created:
    1995
    Collection:
    System Dynamic Society Records
    Collecting Area:
    University Archives
    Collection ID:
    ua435
    Parent Record(s):
    b83f2ce2912343b559f967dd985da515, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 12420ec6bd5f758d2b4dea59aabd75a9
    Description:
    The CC- STADUS project has trained more than eighty pre- college science, mathematics and social science teachers in the basics of computer modeling and system dynamics. In the process of teaching these teachers to build single content area and cross- curricular models, the project has experience some major successes and a variety of problems. More than twenty- five major cross- curricular models and many more single discipline models have been developed by the participants, working both individually and in teams. The training which was provided has evolved continuously in response to feedback from the teachers and formal evaluation. Most major difficulties were eliminated in the second year, allowing consideration of other less obvious problems. The third and final year of the program includes substantial revisions in the focus of the initial training, topics presented by guest speakers, the formation of modeling teams, and the amount of time dedicated to construction of cross- curricular models. Similar changes have been planned for the assessment and support of participants in the year following the training. Consideration of the successes and problems encountered by the CC-STADUS staff can provide valuable insights to those attempting training of pre-college teachers in modeling or system dynamics. A variety of key factors have been identified that can enhance the effectiveness of the training and the subsequent support provided during the academic year.