The Association of American Universities (AAU) is engaged in an initiative to improve the quality of undergraduate teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at its member institutions. It is an initiative based on overwhelming existing research to influence the culture of STEM departments at AAU universities so that faculty members are encouraged to use teaching practices proven to be effective in engaging students in STEM education and in helping students learn, particularly at the first-year and sophomore levels.
In partnership with member universities, AAU works to understand the wider setting in which educational innovations take place – the department, the college, the university and the national level – and address the key institutional elements necessary for sustained improvement to undergraduate STEM education. AAU is committed to addressing the institutional and cultural barriers to reforming undergraduate STEM teaching and learning at research universities.
