Concurrent Session 7
Wednesday, April 30
12:45–1:40 pm ADT
Dalhousie Student Union Building, Dalhousie University
Room 303
12:45–1:10 pm ADT
1:15–1:40 pm ADT
Bridging the Gap between industry demands and STEM education through pilot implementation of Practical Exams in Biochemistry Education
Practice session (25 minutes)
Presenter: Atieh Rafiei (she/her) Dalhousie University
Non-presenting Author: Dr. Shawn Xiong (he/him), Dalhousie University
-
As educators and students, we've all seen the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in STEM fields. Traditional STEM education often emphasizes theoretical knowledge, leaving students underprepared for the practical challenges of research and industry. This session will discuss an innovative approach to STEM education, focusing on the pilot implementation of practical exams in the second-year biochemistry laboratory course (BIOC 2610) at Dalhousie University. Our proposed case study aims to demonstrate how practical exams can bridge this gap, offering a more holistic assessment of student readiness for real-world applications.
We will share our experience in designing these exams to better assess students' experimental skills, problem-solving abilities, time management and readiness for real-world applications.
This session will highlight:
The process of aligning practical exams with course objectives and professional demands
Early lessons learned from the design phase, including challenges and solutions
Strategies for integrating practical exams into existing curricula
Participants will engage in interactive discussions on:
Adapting a similar approach to their own courses
Overcoming potential barriers to implementing practical exams
Sharing experiences and best practices in hands-on assessment
This session focuses on the practical aspects of exam design and implementation. It builds connections between educators across STEM disciplines and fosters a community of practice around innovative assessment methods. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for enhancing their own laboratory courses, including a framework for designing practical exams and strategies for overcoming common challenges in implementation.
Keywords
STEM Education, Practical exams, Problem-based learning (PBL), Theory-practice gap, Curriculum development, Laboratory skills assessment, Experimental design Critical thinking, Time management, Biochemistry education, Hands-on learning, Real-world application, Multidisciplinary science
An Experientially-Mediated Career Support Group Increases Core Competencies and Career Readiness in University Students
Research presentation session (25 minutes)
Dr. Elizabeth Bowering (she/her), Mount St Vincent University and Christine Frigault (she/her), Dalhousie University
-
Our session describes the creation, implementation, and research evaluation of an experientially-mediated psychoeducational career support group for university students. Specifically, the multi-session Professional Career Development Group (PCDG) was designed to help graduating students build self-awareness and hope, and to manage career anxiety. The group utilized career and experiential learning theories and included participation in Career Services offerings that included experiential opportunities. Participants were invited to take part in an optional research study. Analysis of their pre- and post-questionnaires compared to a control group supported the effectiveness of the group in increasing self-awareness and hope, and decreasing negative career thoughts. These findings help to validate our published theoretical model of how experiential learning can support core competency development in university students.
Keywords
career support group, experiential learning, university students
Room 224
12:45–1:40 pm ADT
Integrating AI in Higher Education: Bridging Academic Practices with Industry Standards
Conversation Circle (55 minutes)
Presenter: Nader Houella, Dalhousie University
-
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining workforce expectations, presenting higher education institutions in Canada and globally with the challenge of preparing students for an AI-driven future. This discussion explores strategies for integrating AI into university curricula, while aligning it with industry best practices, evolving standards, and the expectations of employers seeking AI-proficient graduates. Key questions include: how can we identify industry-relevant AI skills? what are the best practices for embedding AI concepts across disciplines, addressing ethical considerations in teaching AI? What should universities do to make sure their graduates have the Ai skills the industry expects?
The session will also discuss how to equip faculty with the resources and training needed to integrate AI effectively. The aim of this conversation circle is to envision a roadmap that makes sure students graduate with the AI competencies needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This supports both institutional reputation and graduate employability.
Keywords
Artificial intelligence, curriculum development, graduate employability, industry standards, ai integration
Room 307
12:45–1:40 pm ADT
Supporting Unseen Professionals: Planning, Partnered Development, and Impact of the Ready to Lead Program
Panel/Team Discussion (55 minutes)
Presenters: Dr. John Smith III (he/him) and Dr. Emily Ballantyne (she/her), Mount Saint Vincent University
-
Delivering quality co-developed continuing education programming presents unique questions for post-secondary educators. How do we support learner training in online courses for learners who have never used an LMS? How do we connect and collaborate effectively with employer partners? Do we really need to approach academic and continuing education development differently? In this team discussion, Emily and John will address these questions and more through their experiences planning, developing, and delivering Mount Saint Vincent University’s Ready to Lead (R2L) microcredential program for frontline health care professionals. Through R2L, program participants have surpassed the curriculum by expanding their professional networks, finding deeper meaning and connection to their work, and cultivating a new community of practice. Join us as we share participant insights and practical strategies while fostering a constructive dialogue on the complex landscape of continuing education.
Keywords
continuing education; professional development; experiential learning; employer partnerships; microcredentials