The Teacher Transportation Institute (TTI) at Morgan State University was implemented from July 13, 2015 to July 29, 2015. The professional development took place over a two-week period. The session was used by the teachers to conduct research and plan for the final project development and presentations. The teachers were given a pre-program survey to determine their expectations of the TTI professional development. It also established what the teachers knew about transportation and transportation-related careers. One participant, a school counselor, registered for the TTI to become more informed of career and educational opportunities in the transportation industry for her students. Teachers who are more informed about the connection between STEM and the transportation industry and are aware of the trends in transportation and safety developments can communicate career opportunities available to their students.
TTI participants discussed what STEM is and its importance to post-secondary education and successful careers in transportation and related fields. The program engaged the teachers in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that included the use of engineering principles and technology. The teachers visited transportation and transportation-related work sites to become familiar with current trends in transportation. They gained insights into careers and the work environment of engineers, transportation planners, information technology professionals and social scientists in the transportation industry. Guest speakers also discussed opportunities and careers in the transportation industry.
Participants discussed the impact of the traffic roundabout and connected vehicles on the environment and safety. Participants conducted traffic feasibility studies and used scientific and mathematical principles to analyze their data. They were taught to construct a scale of a traffic roundabout. The teachers also experienced driving scenarios behind the wheel of a driving simulator and became more aware of the hazards of distracted driving.
The TTI participants received Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Morgan State University’s Center for Professional Development and Continuing Studies for attending the entire program. The CEUs will be used by the teachers for recertification of teaching credentials and/or promotion.
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