Aligning efforts for a common goal: student success
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Clear communication is important for successfully achieving shared objectives. It prevents confusion, builds trust, and aligns efforts.
In an effort to bridge communication efforts with high school STEM teachers, MIE’s Jonathan Komperda, clinical associate professor and director of undergraduate studies, and Martina Bode, clinical professor and director of calculus in mathematics, visited Lane Tech High School for its STEM Professor Panel during its faculty professional development event.
The UIC professors were part of a five-person panel from four colleges providing their insights before a Q&A session with all the Lane Tech STEM teachers.
“High school teachers are the backbone of our educational system and help prepare students to enter the STEM fields. I am happy to have been invited back for the second time to share my insights on how to help prepare students for STEM programs at UIC! I love that Lane Tech hosts these sessions, opening two-way communication between our programs,” Komperda said.
Komperda used the opportunity to discuss the strengths and areas for improvement of incoming high school students. The main strengths he highlighted are their technological aptitude, self-advocacy, and ability to ask for help. However, he also identified the need for stronger math preparation, which was echoed by his peers on the panel, and for improvement in soft skills such as speaking, presentation, and communicating complex ideas across different forms.
Komperda is reaching out to various high schools, community colleges, and institutions where our students come from to ensure UIC is aligned with them and students have the appropriate preparation and support to succeed when they arrive at UIC.