Center for Communication and Digital Media
MA 143/CHM 110 Initiative Starting in Fall 2022, Dr. Elizabeth McDaniel, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, taught designated sections of chemistry (CHM 110) for engineering students placed in pre-calculus (MA 143). This initiative has helped students develop stronger math foundations that are needed to understand essential chemistry concepts. McDaniel’s sections had an overall higher median score (12% higher) than the sections taught by other faculty. McDaniel’s class also had a lower DFW percentage (9%) compared to other classes. These results suggest that McDaniel’s specialized teaching approach was effective in improving student performance. The findings have important implications for teaching practices, especially for students needing additional support.
The Center for Communication and Digital Media (CCDM) aims to improve literacy skills through individual sessions and workshops led by peer tutors. Since opening in January 2023, it has achieved positive student outcomes, with one student saying, “The CCDM is great for doing design work for my classes, and the writing help they provide is also very useful. Being able to access design and writing assistance in one place is fantastic.” Directed by Humanities and Communication Associate Professor Dr. Sandy Branham, the CCDM has conducted 147 sessions this spring, achieving a total of 387 contact hours so far. The CCDM also serves students’ academic needs through the Quality Enhancement Plan, Writing Matters. Collaboration with CTLE: Book Club In Spring 2023, the Dean’s Office collaborated with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence to present the inaugural COAS Book Club. Over four weeks, 24 COAS faculty read Saundra McGuire’s Teach Students How to Learn to identify strategies for supporting student learning and success. During weekly meetings, participants discussed insights and plans for implementing strategies with an interdisciplinary group of colleagues. Participants appreciated the exchange and “hearing so many other perspectives” on teaching, and they suggested that “this seminar should be taught every semester.” This initiative also fostered team building for the COAS faculty and is something Dean Hoffmann plans to continue. Science Communication Dr. Jessica Welch, assistant professor of Communication, teamed up with Dean Hoffmann and Associate Dean Oswalt to host a Science Communication Symposium in Spring 2023. All faculty and graduate students were invited to this workshop, designed to help bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. Through discussion panels, guest speakers and hands-on participation, attendees heard about factors that impact the public’s understanding of science, enhanced their ability to simplify complex information and gained resources for promoting their work within academia and beyond.
Dr. Elizabeth McDaniel Assistant Professor of Chemistry
8 | College of Arts & Sciences
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