Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship

Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship

Ethical Reasoning in Computational Thinking (ERCT)

There are four core practices that cut across all STEM disciplines and serve as the pillars of computational thinking (CT): Reasoning with data, making/adapting models, engaging in problem solving, and utilizing a systems thinking approach (Weintrop et al., 2018).

However, any program that aims to develop students’ and teachers’ CT must be grounded in ethical inquiry due to the fact that mathematics can be (and has been) used to both help and hurt individuals, society and the environment.

Candidates will engage with UNC Charlotte professors to learn how to reason ethically in four main STEM disciplines: Nanoscience, data science, earth science and engineering, with some attention to developing introductory coding skills. Since Noyce Scholars will work in a high needs district upon graduation, a key part of the UNC Charlotte Ethical Reasoning in Computational Thinking program will be to engage them consistently in activities to develop their CT with a clear focus on the ethical use of CT to create a more equitable world. Additionally, they will co-design, implement, assess, and analyze the effectiveness of their culturally relevant and ethically grounded CT lessons with their student teaching mentor.

How to APPLY.

Project Personnel:

Dr. Michelle Stephan, PI msteph1@charlotte.edu; Dr. Daniel Alston, co-PI; Dr. David Pugalee, co-PI. See complete information of partners and personnel.

PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS

Financial Support

Students admitted to Noyce Scholars Program receive an annual scholarship of $14,500 for up to 2 years. In addition, Noyce Scholars will commit to participation in the following Project Activities: a) summer sessions, b) two seminars series per year during each of their Junior and Senior years and c) mentoring from university faculty and school partners. Scholars will receive a bonus of $1000 for each summer session they complete.

Clinical Experience

A carefully planned sequence of field experiences and clinical practice (110-135 hours of classroom immersion) is part of the College’s professional preparation programs. Undergraduates assist, tutor, and implement planned lessons as they progress through the professional coursework sequence. If funded, project personnel will work with instructors in these courses to align activities for the scholars to the goals of the ERCT program.

Yearlong Internship

During the senior year, candidates are assigned their student teaching mentor referred to as a Clinical Educator (CE). In the first semester of their yearlong internship (YLI), the candidate spends a minimum of two days per week in their CE’s classroom engaging in multiple activities such as tutoring, co-planning lessons, and teaching. The second semester consists of a 15-16 week full-time student teaching experience with the same CE (35-40 hours per week).  Project personnel will partner with Dr. Tisha Greene, Assistant Dean of the Office of School and Community Partnerships, to ensure that the scholars are placed with Clinical Educators who participate in the ERCT Scholarship Program detailed in this proposal.

Mentoring Program

Scholars will receive mentoring from university faculty for both years. This mentor will ensure that they proceed through their first year effectively. During their senior year, each Scholar is assigned a clinical educator (CE) from our school partner (Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools) who will serve as their student teaching mentor. This mentoring will equip Noyce Scholars with knowledge about how to use ethical computational thinking in their mathematics and science lessons effectively.

Induction Program

As scholars obtain their first teaching positions, they will be assigned to a mentor in their school and in the district (i.e., NC New Teacher Support Instructional Coach). Mentors and mentees will hold regular meetings (at least monthly) to discuss accomplishments, issues, challenges, and to share ideas about content and teaching practices. Additionally, each Noyce Scholar will agree to participate in the First 3 Teacher Induction Program established by the College of Education at UNC Charlotte. This program provides extensive support for new teachers during their first three years upon entering the teaching field. This program is provided free to all NC teachers and is not a formal part of the Noyce program.

 Timeline of Program Activities

Visit the program page.