HIGH POINT, N.C., March 2, 2012 – Dr. Shirley Disseler, assistant professor of elementary education at High Point University, has been selected to serve on the LEGO Education Advisory Panel (LEAP). Disseler was selected as one of only 10 professors among 1,100 college professors to serve on this prestigious panel.
Disseler says the appointment will provide materials from LEGO Education for HPU to use in the education program to increase student understanding in science, technology, engineering and math initiatives (STEM), which are needed in schools.
LEGO Education offers unique solutions for educators who want to incorporate innovation, creativity and hands-on learning into the classroom. It gives students the tools to learn by experience and develop teamwork and problem solving skills.
“As I teach Principles of Integrated Instruction for Math and Science, this appointment will allow me to join a team of professors, scientists, teachers and engineers in sharing ideas that will enhance the teaching of math, science, engineering and technology in schools,” Disseler explains.
As part of her one year commitment to the panel, Disseler also will give product recommendations, share her teaching experiences utilizing the LEGO Education products, blog about her experiences and attend conferences.
“I hope to gain a deeper insight as to how other universities are using LEGO Education tools to enhance their programs and prepare future teachers,” Disseler says. “I also hope to be able to utilize the materials provided by this appointment in the expansion of my STEM Club that goes out to local elementary schools to do activities with K-6 students.”
She explains that STEM is an important area that local school systems need to place greater emphasis upon as they prepare 21st century ready students.
“The teaching of science and the integration of math, technology, and engineering into core content areas is going to be more important as we prepare globally competitive students,” Disseler says. “This appointment will afford me the opportunity to collaborate with professors across the country, bring new materials to local schools, and help High Point pre-service teachers gain a deeper knowledge base in terms of STEM education.”
Faculty and staff in the School of Education are actively engaged in enhancing the education system, especially in local schools. Last semester, HPU teamed up with three more community partners to put iPads in the hands of students at Montlieu Elementary Academy of Technology, increasing their resources and thereby expanding their knowledge of the world.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. HPU was selected in the 2010-2011 list of “Colleges of Distinction,” as well as one of the top green schools in the country by the Sierra Club. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 40 undergraduate minors and 10 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]