Classrooms as Workplace: “Early Pre-service” STEM Teaching Experience in a University-Based Summer STEM Institute

Abstract

The focus of study is to examine the impact that The Orange County Teacher Pathway Partnership (OC-TPP) at CSU Fullerton has had on participants’ (community college transfer students) skills and experiences gained in each of the program years from years 2015-2018. Students who participated in the STEM Institute gained pre-professional skills and teaching experience through various activities in the program. Students remained on the teacher pathway because the program allowed them to break out of their comfort zones, build social connections, and adjust to various groups of people. Attending the program increased college student confidence in content knowledge and content-based pedagogy, through their university-based experience. In addition, participants gained technical skills in science and teaching through professional exposure.