PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #68: Ecological Education -- Research and Theory.
Presiding: L. Mueller
Wednesday, August 7. 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Grand Ballroom West, Radisson.

Institutional transformation of curriculum: What does it take?

Burton, Rebecca^*,1, ¹ Dept. of Biology, Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI, 53215

ABSTRACT- What does it take to transform a college or university to a student-centered model? Many ecologists are working to make the curriculum at their institutions more effective using problem-based learning, student learning outcomes, and other approaches. Often only one or a few faculty in any department are involved in these efforts. Changes across an institution are more rare, but are possible. Some of the factors that have been important in the transformation of higher education institutions include a commitment to change and tolerance for risk. The ability to measure and compare the success of curricula via the National Survey of Student Engagement may provide a powerful incentive for institutions to explore curricular changes.

KEY WORDS: Curriculum, Reform