THE CARL WIEMAN SCIENCE EDUCATION INITIATIVE

Achieving the most effective, evidence-based science education
(effective science education, backed by evidence)

The Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative (CWSEI) is a multi-year project at The University of British Columbia aimed at dramatically improving undergraduate science education.

The CWSEI helps departments take a four-step, scientific approach to teaching:

• Establish what students should learn
• Scientifically measure what students are actually learning
• Adapt instructional methods and curriculum and incorporate effective use of technology and pedagogical research to achieve desired learning outcomes
• Disseminate and adopt what works

• About CWSEI
• Departments - what is being done
• Resources - instructor guidance, tools, course transformation resources, etc.
• SEI Research - papers and presentations of the CWSEI and CU-SEI

CWSEI conclusion

The main activity in the CWSEI concluded in 2017. Since then, efforts have been focused on further summary and publication regarding the initiative, as well as some final projects in some departments. Administration for the CWSEI has been housed with Skylight (UBC’s Science Centre for Learning and Teaching) since 2014, as the initiative entered its final stages.

Science Education Initiative Handbook

Free SEI Handbook containing practical advice on implementing an SEI-like program at your institution, by Stephanie Chasteen (CU-SEI) and Warren Code (CWSEI)

Book on the CWSEI and CU-SEI

Harvard University Press 2017 Improving How Universities Teach Science; Lessons from the Science Education Initiative, by Carl Wieman

CWSEI End-of-Year Event materials available

click HERE for details

Video collection

Evidence-based science education in action - This video collection shows clips from university science and math classrooms, along with commentary pointing out key aspects and strategies.

Course Transformation resources

The Course Transformation page has a variety of resources including the Course Transformation Guide and information on Science Teaching & Learning Fellow role and development.

Tools page

Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS), Teaching Practices Inventory, and more ....

past events

For presentation slides from past events, including seminars and workshops, visit EVENTS.

Faculty Resources

See the Resources tab

for a variety of resources.

CWSEI study published in Science - double the learning in a large undergraduate physics class

Link to UBC media release

Link to paper

Change Magazine Article on SEI

Transforming Science Education at Large Research Universities: A Case Study in Progress

Clicker Resources page

Clicker Resources page includes video, SEI clicker guide, links to collections of clicker questions, and other useful links and articles.

UBC Partners with CU

Partnership with University of Colorado UBC and CU actively collaborate on their efforts to improve science education on university campuses. Visit CU-SEI at the University of Colorado...