NSF PR 95-55 - August 14, 1995
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New Undergraduate Science Education Awards Aim Reform Institution-Wide
The National Science Foundation (NSF) expects to make
10 to 15 awards of up to $200,000 each, to 2- and
4-year colleges and universities that have demonstrated
success in revitalizing undergraduate education on
a relatively modest scale and now wish to infuse the
entire institution with similar gains. According to
Dr. Luther Williams, NSF's Assistant Director for
Education and Human Resources, through these grants,
NSF seeks to foster enhanced student learning and
preparation for the professional challenges that exist
in an increasingly interdependent global society.
"Students from a variety of backgrounds, preparing
for diverse careers, depend increasingly on undergraduate
institutions to prepare them to function effectively
in a society that is increasingly based on science
and technology. All will require proficiency in science
and mathematics in order to be competent professionals,
knowledgeable consumers, and responsible citizens,"
Williams said.
By publicly recognizing and rewarding visionary plans
based on significant previous achievements, NSF hopes
to stimulate modernization of the academic culture
and infrastructure, and aim for a reexamination of
institutional priorities and resource allocations,
which are essential for the comprehensive reform of
undergraduate education," Williams added.
"We anticipate supporting activities that build on
the small scale innovations that have been the basis
for fundamental change within a focused area," said
Robert Watson, director of NSF's Division of Undergraduate
Education. "We wish to encourage the development of
instructional modes that optimize learning of mathematics
and science by all students, the design of programs
that transcend disciplinary boundaries, and the improvement
of student-teacher interactions," Watson added.
This emphasis on recognizing and promoting institutional
reform of undergraduate education is an extension
of the NSF's Course and Curriculum Development Program
which seeks to prepare an increasingly diverse undergraduate
student body to navigate in the information-, science-
and technology-based society of the future. The increasing
diversity of students and the broader mission of undergraduate
instruction in science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology education require pedagogical approaches
that are sensitive to variations in cultural and academic
backgrounds and learning styles.
Closing date for submissions will be December 4, 1995.
Proposals must be submitted by the institution's president.
Requests for information should be addressed to the
Division of Undergraduate Education, Room 835, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
VA 22230.
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