Sunday, 11 January 2004
Mentoring Experiences for Teaching Students in Weather Investigators of Northeast–Louisiana (WIN-LA!)
Hall 4AB
Weather Investigators of Northeast-Louisiana (WIN-LA), a one week summer camp
for “at-risk” 7th grade students funded by the Louisiana GEARUP program, was
held in July at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). The residential
weather camp focused on the study and analysis of weather as an integrator of
math and science and required the assistance of two undergraduate meteorology
majors and two school teachers. These support staff were critical in all
aspects of the project for their role in providing program assistance,
participant counseling and peer support, and logistical and personal oversight
during the participants’ on-campus stay. In particular, the undergraduate
majors provided specific examples of college students, science majors, college-
life and expectations, as well as life experiences. These broadened the
perspective of the participants of faculty from one of doctoral scientists to
all career levels as well as a variety of career paths and opportunities. At
the same time, the undergraduate majors were provided an opportunity to
experience the nature of both direct and group mentoring and to develop their
professional portfolio. The undergraduate assistants were continually involved
with the participants as they shared the same dormitory, meals, and activities
outside of the program’s scientific study time. They will also assist in the
follow-up activities planned during the academic year.
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