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Teaching with Figures in Ecology Faculty Mentoring Network (FMN):

An initiative of ESA's Transforming Ecology Education to 4D (TEE) Project

A stipend of $1000 is available for participants who complete all requirements.

Funding support comes from the National Science Foundation

Applications are now closed
 

 

The Ecological Society of America’s (ESA) Transforming Ecology Education to 4D (TEE) project is teaming up with the ecology education journal Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology (TIEE) to host a Faculty Mentoring Network (FMN) with support from BioQuest/QUBESHub in Spring 2023. Teaching with Figures in Ecology FMN aims to work with educators to adapt TIEE Figure Set teaching modules for undergraduate courses to incorporate the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework.

 

Purpose of FMN

The goal of the FMN is to work as a community of practice to integrate the 4DEE framework into the undergraduate classroom. To focus our efforts, we are asking faculty to choose from a selected list of previously published figure set modules in TIEE and add on new figure sets to improve/revitalize the chosen module, while also aligning to the 4DEE Framework. The 4DEE Framework includes Core Ecological Concepts, Ecology Practices, Human-Environment Interactions, and Cross-Cutting Themes. A figure set module is any module that uses a series of figures to help students interpret graphical information. As part of this FMN process, TEE hopes to gain insight into best practices for introducing additional dimensions from the 4DEE framework into an educational module.

Participants should enter the FMN with an open mind and be flexible about adapting an existing TIEE module to align and integrate two-three additional dimensions outlined in the 4DEE framework.

The FMN is intended for participants to work collaboratively to modify existing figure set resources that are informed by the 4DEE framework and peer feedback.

Modules adapted are expected to be published in TIEE.

  • Participants will be regarded as thought leaders and will be recognized as ESA Education Scholars.
  • In the year following the publication of the module, the TEE project will provide travel funds for scholars to run workshops to disseminate 4DEE and the collection of teaching modules at selected conferences (recommended by participants).
  • Participants will also be tapped to present in an annual 4DEE virtual showcase open to everyone.

Additionally, this FMN will help produce guidelines to help future TEE projects and instructors seeking to implement the 4DEE framework. Participants are invited to provide feedback at all stages as we refine these guidelines.

 

Do we expect all four dimensions to be incorporated and/or integrated?

In a word, no. We seek to explore options for incorporating and integrating as many dimensions as appropriate.

 

Who should apply?

  • Any instructor including adjunct instructors or graduate students who are currently teaching at the college level within the United States of America is welcome to apply.
  • Faculty from underrepresented minority groups and those teaching at minority-serving institutions and community colleges are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Participants must be able to receive federal dollars since this FMN is supported by NSF. If you cannot receive funding, you may still apply to join, but you will not be eligible to earn a stipend.
  • Prerequisites for this FMN: Participants must
    • Select a preapproved figure set resource from TIEE (see the FMN requirements page for the preselected list).
    • Add on to the existing figure set by including another group of figures related to the chosen figure set
    • Align the figure set to the 4DEE framework
  • Participants are expected to also incorporate active learning and inclusive teaching approaches in their modules.

 

What products/outcomes are expected from the FMN?

  • A cohort of ESA Education Scholars ready to share their teaching resources and the 4DEE framework with colleagues and peers at various events.
  • A collection of published modules that demonstrate how 4DEE can be implemented.
  • A set of guidelines for future FMNs and those who wish to implement 4DEE

 

About the Transforming Ecology Education Research Coordination Network

Transforming Ecology Education to 4D (TEE) is a Research Coordination Network (RCN) for undergraduate biology education funded by the National Science Foundation (#DBI-2120678) which seeks to create a network of faculty and academic program administrators with leadership by the Ecological Society of America (ESA). This award will support the implementation of the 4DEE framework through October 2025.

About the Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology

Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology (TIEE) is a peer-reviewed web-based collection of ecological educational materials. TIEE is a resource for busy ecology faculty who are looking for new ways to reach their students, or who perhaps want to learn more about teaching and learning.

 

Dates & Location:

The virtual kick-off will be held sometime in the week of January 16, 2023 (date and time TBD). All sessions will be held via Zoom. The bi-weekly sessions will take place between Jan 23 - April 14. Dates and times TBD.

All communications will be managed through the QUBESHub.

Modules should be submitted to QUBESHub and TIEE by July 28, 2023 (four months after the FMN).

 

How to Apply:

Applications are now closed. Accepted applicants will be notified in December. Space is limited, as this is a development FMN, and only 9 participants will be selected.

Benefits of Participation:

  • Ongoing support for adaptation, customization, and implementation of pedagogical material in the classroom that incorporates the 4DEE framework through the duration of the FMN.
  • Access to peer mentors on effective pedagogical tips and strategies in small group virtual meetings every two weeks for the length of the FMN.
  • Access to additional experts on topics to be discussed during the FMN.
  • Support to become a published author.  Participants will be able to submit the module they have been working on (see copyright information in the Commitment section). A template will be provided.
  • Access to classroom-ready data-driven activities that have been tested, adapted, and implemented in multiple classroom settings over time.
  • Access to an established peer community for possible collaborations in the future.
  • Receive an ESA Education Scholar Certificate in recognition of your work for your professional portfolio.
  • Invitation to speak at future ESA education events including the 4DEE virtual showcase.
  • Receive a stipend of $1,000 for full participation at all virtual sessions, upon submission of the module to be published in TIEE or other approved venues.
  • Be eligible for additional travel support of up to $2,200 to organize a workshop for educators and present 4DEE and their modules at selected conferences in the next year.

FMN Requirements:

  • Participants must be willing to incorporate the 4DEE framework into a preselected TIEE figure set resource, add new figures, and align to the 4DEE framework.
  • Participants must commit ~1 hour every two weeks between Jan 16 - March 31 (exact dates and times to be confirmed) in virtual meetings to work with mentors and collaborate with other participants around the customization and implementation of the teaching materials. Additional time of 1-2 hours outside of these discussions will be required for independent work on adapting modules and giving feedback on guidelines.
  • Participants must be willing to submit the teaching module they are working on for publication in TIEE on a CC-BY-NC 4.0 basis by July 28, 2023. All copyright belongs to the author. Please note: if the module contains non-original material, copyright clearance should be secured prior to publication. Participants will receive a submission template.
  • Participants must be willing and able to travel, organize a workshop, and present at approved conferences to disseminate the 4DEE framework and their adapted module to new audiences. Travel support up to $2,200 will be provided upon pre-approval. 

Questions:

If you have questions, please feel free to contact education@esa.org