How might we rethink STEM education at a large university?

The faculty at this midwestern state university had been struggling with how to improve scientific and quantitative literacy among their students for a while. They decided to tackle this problem as part of a multi-year grant focused on math and science education. Dedicated faculty and staff took part in an action-packed 2-day workshop. After learning the basics of human-centered design, participants met with students to gain insight into them as individuals. Guided by the Onesuch team, they then used this empathy to inspire new and creative approaches to teaching math and science. When the students returned the next day to hear about the solutions, the enthusiasm for the new ideas was palpable. One student was moved to tears as she reported, “no teacher has ever taken the time to listen and design something just for me ever before.” Two years later, the effects of the workshop continue to ripple outward at the university as more courses have been redesigned using the techniques learned in the workshop.