Eco-STEM Tools: Changing the Culture of Teaching and Learning in STEM

The authors present a Work-In-Progress paper in the Innovative Practice category on the ongoing development of tools for faculty in STEM higher education to construct supportive educational environments within their classrooms. The tools consist of a peer observation form and the associated process, a resource repository, and a student survey. They are components of the Eco-STEM project that aims to initiate institutional change through the embrace of a metaphorical "ecosystem" model of education.Together, the Eco-STEM Tools support an integrated system of pedagogical reflection and growth for the development of healthy STEM classroom-based ecosystems. While the project team is developing these tools within the context of a majority-minority institution, we believe they would be impactful at any institution that strives to support its marginalized students – as well as support the thriving of every actor within the ecosystem.