1. Making a Difference in the Classroom
Supporting Engagement, Outreach, and Impact

2. Ann Kaiser akaiser@projectengin.com
B.S. Metallurgical Engineering Columbia University.
International Fellow Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. Masters Degree - World Resources and Technology Transfer.
Product and market development experience in the metals industry.
High school physics, math and Engineering teacher (16 years).
Fulbright Distinguished Teacher ; Singapore
Top Overseas Teacher – Singapore Ministry of Education 2014
2017 SBA New England Regional Micro-entrepreneur of the Year
Author “E” Is The Key: Engage, Empower, Engineer; release early 2019.

3. ProjectEngin Vision Engineering is natural
Designed world needs to be part of every student’s education
Bring imagination, creative students into the “mix”
Use the Engineering Design Process to support Project-based learning
Highly transdisciplinary; skills-based
Teacher- focused. Support via training and curriculum design

4. Engineering Design as a Framework for Active, Project-based Learning
Engineers ask “how”
Application of concepts supports expert thinking and mastery
The need to modify and optimize creates deeper exposure to ideas
Well-designed projects support student choice and student engagement

5. Why Re-Engineer Education?
Education for the 21st century needs to provide
a frame work for creative analytical thinking
problem solving skills that can adapt to a rapidly changing world
global thinkers who can manage and improve their world ethically

6. ProjectEngin Approach
Product
Professional Development for teachers
Onsite, in-class coaching
Curriculum design and implementation
Process
Know your audience (teachers, school, students)
Leverage what they have
Connect to what they “need” to teach
Work with all resources to provide authentic learning experiences centered around Engineering

8. Who is in That Classroom?
Digital natives versus digital pioneers
Prefer “in person” or “face-to face” versus solely digital collaboration
Technology is a backdrop, not a breakthrough
Think in terms of “roles” versus “jobs”
Entrepreneurial
Aware of real issues; post 9/11 world, 2008 recession, constant access to news; pragmatic
Technology has made collaboration, communication, and creativity part of Gen Z

9. Reaching Them Project Tomorrow Speak Up Survey
138,000 middle school students
30% very interested in STEM career (same as 2003)
50% somewhat interested in STEM career (same as 2003)
Indications that current outreach and programs retain not recruit
  Students expressed a preference instead for digital solutions to learn about careers vs mentoring or competitions
More interested in experiences and relationships than hearing about products and programs
How you got to where you are, the kind of people you interact with, “side trips” along the way engages them more
Many young people feel the need to be math and science wizards in order to pursue these fields; need reassurance that there is room for all ways of thinking

10. Collaborative study by Destination Imagination, National Girls Collaborative, Educational Research Center of America, and NAPE
Key findings
Creative experiences in STEM classes increases confidence
Micro-messaging accumulates can be highly discouraging
Freedom to fail supports needed “growth mindset”

12. Talking to Teachers Time is a very valuable commodity to a teacher
Connect to content
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core
Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEEA)
Connect to skills-based learning
21st Century Skills
Growth Mindset
Systems Thinking
Global Competencies
Know the interests, talents, and background knowledge that your audience already has

13. Embed, Engage, Evolve Embed Don’t be an “add-on”
Plan ahead with the teacher
Engage
Students are your allies; engagement is Rule 1 in learning
Personal connection supports engagement
Evolve
Avoid “one and done”; become part of the class
Look for broad connections to what your company does

14. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
@ProjectEngin