ALLIANCE, Ohio - The University of Mount Union will host the 4th Annual Ohio Project Kaleidoscope (OH-PKAL) Conference on May 19. This one-day conference will have an overall focus on promoting effective learning in a diverse STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) environment.

The conference is estimated to host as many as 150 college and university STEM educators from across Ohio and surrounding states. The day will feature a program consisting of oral presentations, posters, lunch table discussions and workshops all designed to promote the following five themes: 

• Fully Realizing Talents: Supporting Talented STEM Students from Diverse Backgrounds
• Promoting Effective Learning Across Teaching Environments
• Metacognition in a Diverse Environment
• Bridging the Gap: Ensuring Successful STEM Transitions
• Trailblazing Technology to Enhance STEM Learning. 

The conference will also include keynote speaker Dr. Melvin Hall, whose address is titled “Promoting Effective Learning in a Diverse STEM Environment: Hidden Factors That Undermine Your Success.” Hall is a professor of educational psychology at Northern Arizona University, and Senior Scholar in the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Office of Undergraduate STEM Education.

OH-PKAL, the conference sponsor, is a higher education reform program whose vision statement is to create a regional community of practice to promote and enhance learner-centered STEM education through evidenced-based best practices, faculty development and community engagement and education.

For more information on the conference, visit https://www.aacu.org/pkal/regional/ohio/2018/spring-conference.