It was so good to share!

Hear audible message below!

I want to thank Dr. Orlando Taylor and all the organizers of the recent gathering of key players in the Howard University Learning Communities for STEM Academic Achievement on January 30th - 31st, 2009. In our efforts to share our success in innovative STEM education through learning communities and cutting edge technology new associations were made and past ones rekindled. Each of us has been rejuvenated toward our goal to strengthen the academic foundations of all of our students at our home institutions through cooperative, linked and hands-on communities in basic science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. In addition we encouraged collaborative projects in teaching and learning by communicating via the web between our campuses.

We have been enlighten by the successes of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina and Wagner College on Staten Island, New York, while developing and adopting new concepts at Jackson State University and Xavier University of Louisiana. The experiences at Talladega College made us all wary of the obstacles to overcome for success. All in all we have touched the lives of some and hopefully will continue to be a part of each others lives as we plow forward to brighten the future of the next generation of college graduates.

Sharing our Success!!

Local HBCU's come together to share and exchange successes and challenges in establishing teaching and learning communities on their campuses with undergraduate students. Also important is how these efforts have enhanced young faculty development and encouraged the engagement of veterans academics. Dr. Orlando Taylor, Associate Provost and Director of the LCSAA has gathered Deans and Provost from these HBCU's and others universities to recognize the paradigm shift necessary in education to prepare our students for the future and to survive as institutions of higher learning.


A Beautiful surprise...Afro Blue...that's all I have to say:

Communication throughout the ages form our culture.

Hear an experience noted by Mark Federman whose talk entitled on TVO.org “No Educator Left Behind” contends that, as a result of the changes the Internet has brought to the way students communicate and interact, universities, if they are to remain relevant, must move from the current model of education as skills centered to one that is more focused on connectivity. I also believe that adding service in the learning process will go a long way in advancing not only the students knowledge but his/her appreciation for the world around them.

Dr. Federman provided history that illustrated how communication as defined our culture from the beginning of the oral tradition to the Internet. He presents undeniable evidence that “the dominate mode of communications in society creates and environment from which emerge the structure and institutions of that society”. To resist integrating the changes in our communication is to deprive progress with the times and subject our youth to potential isolation from the benefits of culture.

Xavier University of Louisiana LCSAA Visit

It was a pleasure to have the Learning Community for STEM Academic Advancement meet at Xavier University of Louisiana. Xavier was scheduled for this visit in September 2005 but as a consequence of the storm and the necessary adjustments that followed over the next 2 years the meeting was postponed to June 2nd, 2008.

Several members of the group gave presentations which can be accessed by simply leaving a request in the comment section here or by contacting the Assistant Program Director, Ms. Sharon Winfield. Dr. Orlando Taylor, Vice-Provost for Research and Dean at the Graduate School of Howard University yielded the floor to Dr. Kenneth Boutte, Director of Academic Advancement and Dean of Freshman Studies at Xavier University, LCSAA Fellows from Howard University, Talladega College, Jackson State University and Xavier University and respective graduate students in order to present the status and summarize the results of the learning community programs and activities over the past year.

We all hope to continue our efforts as they have benefited the progress of many students who found leaning communities a viable alternative to improving their learning over traditional classroom protocol. Let's keep in touch and share successes and challenges with one another so not only do our students benefit but faculty will also reach their full potential as educators within this more global and cross-disciplinary academic landscape.



Powerpoint presentations

Learning Communities in STEM Areas

The Summer Meeting of the Learning Communities for STEM Academic Achievement (LCSAA) will take place on FRIDAY (June 6) in the campus University Center, Room 205C. Funded by FIPSE, the LCSAA is a partnership of Howard University, Jackson State University, Talladega College, and Xavier to promote, develop, and implement learning communities in STEM disciplines. All interested are invited to attend. For more information contact Dr. Ken Boutte at ext. 5469.

LCSAA in at the AACU Meeting, Washington DC

 

It was a priviledge to meet with Kim, Sharon, Tor, Jill and Art at this year's AACU meeting in Washington DC. Compelling panels, presentations and exhibits all promoting the improvement of academic evaluation, networking and social responsibility among our students and faculty in our colleges and universities throughout the country. The Grand Hyatt was elegant and the organizers should be commended for such a classy affair.

Association of American Colleges and Universities: 2008 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

INTENTIONAL LEARNING, UNSCRIPTED CHALLENGES
Knowledge and Imagination for an Interdependent World

Learning Communities for STEM Academic Achievement: Improving STEM Teaching and Learning at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Kimberley Freeman, Co-Project Director - Learning Communities for STEM Academic Achievement, Howard University
Jill McGowan, Associate Professor, LCSAA Fellow, Howard University
Tor Kwembe, Professor, LCSAA Campus Coordinator, Jackson State University
Jacqueline Farr, Associate Professor, LCSAA Fellow, Talladega College
Marion Carroll, Assistant Professor, LCSAA Fellow, Xavier University. Meeting Details