How do we help students succeed in the virtual STEM classroom?  Kristal Martinez says that it takes individual attention and knowing who the students are.  Kristal has years of experience working with high school students enrolled in the virtual-synchronous advanced engineering certificate program at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.  She discusses how students studying virtually are really living in two worlds.  It is important to keep the classroom student-centered.  We need to work harder to make sure the students know the personalities of the teachers.  Teachers must be candid with students about difficulties.  Communication is key.  Teachers must be aware of the circumstances and cultures of students who come from underserved communities.  There are different learning strategies for different students and the strategies may shift over time for the same student.  Good teaching in the virtual synchronous environment requires constant awareness and attention. 

STEM Lab

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Student Success in the Virtual STEM Classroom: Individuals Matter (Kristal Martinez, GSSM)

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

• Nicole Kroeger, PhD | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - Cohost and Interviewer. Nicole Kroeger is the manager of the online diploma program at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, one of the United States' top public STEM schools. Nicole also teaches mathematics courses at GSSM including calculus, precalculus, and upper level math electives. Nicole earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 2014 and started teaching at GSSM in August 2014. During her time at GSSM, she served as mathematics department chair for 4 years and currently manages one of GSSM's virtual programs.
• Michael Newsome, PhD | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - STEM Lab Host. E-mail: stemlab@governors.school LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelanewsome Michael A Newsome is the Vice President of Academics at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, one of the United States' top public STEM schools. Michael oversees curriculum and instruction in the school’s three residential and online academic programs that serve the most talented and motivated students from across the state of South Carolina. Michael manages the operations of the school's faculty and academic service offices such as the registrar, research and inquiry, college counseling, student success, and academic teams and competitions. Michael also teaches economics, finance, and entrepreneurship. Before coming to the Governor’s School in 2016, Michael was a tenured Full Professor of Economics at Marshall University. There, Michael taught undergraduate, masters, and doctoral classes and worked as MBA Director. Michael has taught economics at universities and secondary institutions around the world and has published research in several sub-disciplines of economics. Michael’s primary professional specialty is the management of institutional change, with a particular focus on designing, piloting, and implementing new and efficient value-adding policies and programs.
• Accelerate Virtual (Dual-Enrollment) Engineering Program | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
• Kristal Martinez | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - Guest
• SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

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