Lessons Learned from Years 1 and 2 of the TIERA (Training in Environmental Research and Academic Success) Program

Diane Doser, Liz Walsh, Lixin Jin, Vanessa Lougheed, and Lina Hamdan

University of Texas at El Paso

Program Goals• Create learning-community based revision of

freshman and sophomore level curriculum in the Envir. Sci. BS program to improve recruitment and retention of underrepresented students

• Implement problem-based learning and research experiences centered on issues of local concern that are globally relevant

• Strengthen skills for critical thinking to prepare students for workforce or graduate training

Program Focus• Recruiting: high school, freshman

orientation, intro classes, service learning activities in community

• Curriculum redesign• Establishment of freshman learning

community• Mentoring

Service Learning

Results• “great gain” or “good gain” in students’

confidence to conduct field research and explain scientific concepts to others

• 90% felt service learning reinforced their course work and interest in science career

Learning Community 2014• Freshman seminar: over 90% felt

effective in introducing topics in ES and how research used to address problems/issues, 100% felt course engaged them intellectually

• Intro to ES lecture: over 90% felt course stimulated interest and encouraged them to take an active role in learning

• Intro to ES lab: 97% reported positive change in equipment skills, 70% positive change in interpretation and analysis of data

• Higher GPA’s

Faculty Perception

Strengths: new curriculum changes, leadership of TIERA, student research now embedded in program, students have positive attitudes

Weaknesses: need more cross disciplinary courses, relevance to the workforce

Progress to date:• Curriculum in place• Recruiting 20 students/year, are seeing

results from high school recruiting visits• Retention now is 100% (transfer students)

and 90% (UTEP students) before it was 41%• First year of sophomore research course• New professional development course for

juniors (prior to required internship)