Maui Community College (MCC) will use this NSF Tribal College Undergraduate Program (TCUP) proposal to implement an institution-wide effort to restructure and strengthen introductory mathematics and science courses. MCC will increase significantly the number of students entering, persisting, and succeeding at high levels in science, mathematics and STEM degree programs, with particular focus on Hawaiian students. The name and .spirit. of this project, Ho.okahua-- .to lay a foundation.-- wil strengthen science and mathematics learning and establish the foundation upon which STEM students can succeed. The Ho.okahua project is based on research indicating that schools that establish high expectations for all students.and give them the necessary support to achieve them have high rates of academic success (Benard, 1995).
This project employs a variety of strategies including .bridge. programs for high school students, STEM faculty development in interactive teaching strategies and problem-based learning techniques, mathematics and science course/curriculum improvements, and new and enhanced student support systems and organizations.
MCC will implement three major improvement components through the Ho.okahua TCUP Project:
(1) Provide faculty development and curriculum development opportunities to restructure and strengthen science and mathematics offerings by adapting and infusing the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) model into MCC.s curriculum and by strengthening content in introductory science courses, including integrating indigenous knowledge into the courses/curriculum. (2) Increase incoming student preparedness for STEM courses and programs through a series of .bridge. programs, increased faculty involvement in these programs, better alignment between the high school curriculum and the introductory science and mathematics curriculum at MCC, enhanced student outreach, and greater visibility for students succeeding in STEM careers. (3) Increase student success in STEM courses and programs by establishing Student Cohort Groups, a STEM Student Development/Counseling Office, and a STEM Computer-Assisted Study Center through which the project staff will mentor and tutor STEM students.
