IMSA Seeks Teacher Applicants for Summer Program
For Immediate Release, May 1999
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
AURORA—The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is now accepting applications for its professional development institute in problem-based learning to be held at IMSA July 12-23. The institute will be held in conjunction with IMSA’s Summer Sleuths Program for middle school students and college credit is available through Aurora University.
Brochures and applications for PBL Institute: An Introduction to Problem-Based Learning were delivered statewide to scientific literacy coordinators at Regional Offices of Education as well as the Illinois Science Teachers Association. Interested K-12 teachers can receive an application by contacting these resources or calling 630-907-5957 (email: dgerdes@imsa.edu). The deadline for completed applications is June 15. The institute also will be offered this year at a second site at East Peoria High School June 21- July 2. For more information contact Bryan Chumbley at the Mid-Illini Educational Cooperative at 1-800-553-7256.
During the institute, teachers will be immersed in a PBL unit, engage in professional learning about problem-based learning, use new skills learned with middle school students in the Summer Sleuths Program, and debrief the entire experience. In problem-based learning, students are confronted with ill-structured, "real-world" problems that are messy and unclear and have more than one pathway to multiple solutions.
The institute is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and facilitated by The Center for the Advancement and Renewal of Learning and Teaching in Mathematics, Science and Technology (The Center@IMSA). Programs of the Center serve individual teachers, teams of educators, school systems, teachers and their students together, and students separately (summer programs and special events).
Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 14,000 teachers and 20,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.