NAML Education Committee

Purpose and Charge

September 28, 2020

Education Committee Purpose:

The purpose of the NAML Education Committee is to assess the experiences and education program content and structure that define excellence in marine science education at NAML member institutions.

Education Committee Charge:

The Education Committee is charged to assimilate pedagogic information, best practices, necessary support structure and impediments to providing outstanding educational experiences at NAML member institutions. The committee is charged with finding forward-looking, bold, and innovative answers to the following nonexclusive questions:

1)    What are the core skills and competencies of the future marine scientist and what are the most effective instructional strategies and program designs to develop these, at the undergraduate, graduate and early career levels?

2)    How do we provide experiences, skill building, and training that prepare students for broad career tracks including non-academic paths, less traditional marine fields, other STEM fields, and non-STEM fields? 

3)    How can marine laboratories help students determine the most effective academic pathways for their desired careers? 

a)    What is the role of online content in our courses, degree and program plans?

b)    How do we structure courses so that students complete their degrees on time?

4)    Given reduced federal and state support, how do we design sustained, competitive programs?

5)    How are NAML institutions recruiting and retaining students into STEM fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels? 

6)    How can NAML institutions actively recruit, retain and support students and early career individuals to increase diversity in STEM? 

7)    What are the key characteristics of inclusive institutional culture at marine labs to support all students, and promote inclusivity and equitable access?

8)    How can marine laboratories strengthen undergraduate programs while maintaining a balance between undergraduate and graduate research opportunities? 

9)    What are the existing challenges and possible solutions to public and outreach education that marine science educators will need to address? 

10) How can NAML institutions promote and provide mentor training and development? 

11) How are marine laboratories engaging with local, regional, national and global audiences, collaborators and stakeholders, and how can it be done more effectively?

12) What specific education plans should NAML implement over the next two to four years?

In addressing these questions, the committee is encouraged to survey NAML member institutions. The committee also may wish to consult with peer education committees from allied associations/societies and government research and education agencies.

Approved 28 Sept 2020 by the NAML Board of Directors.