Diffusing STEM Pedagogies: The Role of Opinion Leaders

Abstract

Faculty may learn of new pedagogies through mass communication channels such as Web sites, journals, and workshops. Faculty are likely to be persuaded to try these new pedagogies, however, by interpersonal communication with an opinion leader. Using literature and exploratory data we contrast awareness and persuasion and suggest that opinion leaders in departments can play a critical role in the diffusion of STEM pedagogies. We conclude with actions administrators can take on their own campuses to promote adoption of STEM pedagogies.