The Faculty of Science (FSc) at York University provides high-quality education to over 3200 undergraduate students and 470 graduate students in a variety of basic and applied programs. Our over 140 full time faculty members receive over $18.5M in research funding annually. Approximately 90 staff members provide quality administrative and technical support to our students and faculty.
For more information about the Faculty of Science, please visit: http://science.yorku.ca/about-fsc
Please note this is a 21-month contract.
Purpose
The Faculty of Science strives to position itself at the forefront of pedagogical developments in science disciplines and to provide superior teaching and learning experiences in science at York University. The Educational Development Specialist is a hands-on role crucial to the successful implementation of the First-Year-Integrated Science project. This project, funded by the Academic Innovation Fund at York University, will use an evidence-based approach to transforming the teaching of the first year science curriculum. The foundational courses in four disciplines - mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology - will be re-designed by the Educational Development Specialist to achieve learning outcomes through an integrated and problem–based approach, using active learning techniques, team teaching and the flipped-classroom approach with online components. Courses in the four disciplines will not be delivered in parallel and independently of each other; instead, students will encounter material from one discipline, applied to and informing another, in an integrated fashion delivered via a blended, flipped approach. The Educational Development Specialist will work closely with teaching faculty and teaching assistants in the four disciplines, to provide direction and assist them in implementing strategies and approaches to enhance teaching practice. The Educational Development Specialist will provide leadership in delivering all aspects of the project including the effective use of technology and in ensuring that learning outcomes and pedagogical effectiveness are measured through robust evaluation.
Education
Master of Science in one of the disciplines or PhD in discipline-based science education, PhD in one of the science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics) or in Education preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting discipline-based science education research in a post- secondary environment.
Skills
The candidate possesses excellent knowledge of current theories and practices in education, particularly with respect to post-secondary teaching and learning in science (e.g. small groups, team-based learning, blended and online learning, experiential education, application of cognitive science). Ability to design, create and deliver innovative pedagogy spanning the foundational science disciplines. Excellent analytical reasoning, problem solving, time management, planning, project management, coordination, administrative, and organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills with academic and professional writing experience. Experience writing and/or evaluating program and course learning outcomes, and with approaches to quality enhancement. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and collaborate on cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams, multi-task, establish priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal direction. Strong computer skills, particularly as related to technologies for educational purposes, including working knowledge of learning management systems (Moodle preferred).
