Save the date: 1ST MARCH, 2012 - Bringing STEM curricula to life through public engagement

The National HE STEM Programme and the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement are collaborating to host their Bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula to life through public engagement conference on the 1st March 2012. The conference will be held at Aston Conference Centre, University of Aston

Registration for this event opens early December, and the full speakers and workshop list will be announced shortly.

“Embedding public engagement as part of the curriculum can help students to see the difference that their subject can make to others.  It can also help students to learn in new ways, and develop into graduates who know how to make a positive contribution to society.”
Danielle Grufferty, Vice President Society & Citizenship, NUS
 

Many universities talk of going beyond producing highly employable graduates, to developing graduates who are prepared to take personal responsibility as citizens.  At the same time professional accreditation bodies, continue to emphasise how graduates should contribute to the wellbeing of society, through the advancement of knowledge that is co-created with others.  Students today need to continually develop their capacity to communicate effectively with others, to support the learning of others, work across cultures and institutions, and operate in complex inter-connected environments.  Evidence suggests that community engaged learning can be a conduit for developing these attributes whilst enriching student learning, developing skills that are desired by employers and provide a foundation for civic and social growth.
 

Join us for this one day event exploring the role of public engagement within STEM curriculum.  This event will provide training and guidance on models of community engaged learning and explore pedagogic and assessment issues. We aim to cover the following areas:

• The evidence for public engagement in the undergraduate curriculum
• Explore models of embedding engagement in the STEM curriculum
• Explore how to assess student learning from public engagement

We invite academics, students, community partners and practitioners from all disciplines to join us and contribute discussions.  Up to £1000 in funding will be provided following the workshop for academics and practitioners to develop their practice in STEM disciplines.