Nova Host David Pogue performs his own number, which highlights certain problems that he sees in modern technology. PHOTO: Eli J. Mapes

Pogue Speaks of STEM Hope

Eli J. Mapes

     Nova host David Pogue spoke to a packed Meacham Auditorium about STEM education on Thursday, giving hope for America's future.

     As highlighted on Pogue's personal website, he is the author of many technology-based books, but his speech was based solely around America's STEM curriculum. STEM is an acronym for the type of classes that we teach our students. The classes are based around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and are also major areas where America is falling behind in the world of education.

     Pogue said, "one out of four incoming freshman expect to major in a STEM subject." He went on to say that fewer than one quarter of those actually go on to graduate in a STEM subject. He attributes this to the harshness of the freshman "weed-out" classes. He says that evidence shows how these classes are scaring students away from key STEM degrees.

     But Pogue says that universities are now recognizing this trend and are trying new ways to keep kids in their degree programs. At the University of Notre Dame, they have completely done away with these classes. Incoming freshman are no longer in massive weed-out classes. The university has broken up the old 400-student lectures and brought them into smaller, more project oriented classes where they have more hands-on projects. This principle has changed their graduation rate in STEM degrees from roughly 50 percent, to nearly 90 percent.

     Pogue was brought to the University of Oklahoma by the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education as part of the Cathey Simmons Humphreys Distinguished Education Lecture Series, according to the College of Education's Director of Aulmni Outreach, Emily Mapes. Mapes said that Pogue seemed very excited to be in Oklahoma throughout his trip, and especially enjoyed the new OneU Store in the Union.

     Pogue's speech gave hope for the future of American higher education, and maybe even the idea that America will soon be able to compete on the world stage when it comes to STEM curriculum.