Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SRMN?

The STEM Research and Modeling Network (SRMN) is an innovative partnership, founded by the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), Raytheon, and The Ohio State University (OSU).  With significant involvement from national partners, the SRMN brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and funders who all share the goal of using predictive modeling to strengthen student interest, participation and achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  

Why is a STEM network important?

One of the persistent challenges facing all of education -- and STEM education in particular -- in the United States is the lack of coordination between policy-makers, programmers, researchers, funders, and other leaders around which strategies are most effective and can be replicated on a large scale.  The STEM network attempts to answer this need and provide the nation with a predictive model that can help identify intended, and unintended, consequences of specific policy choices.

Why is a simulation model a good idea?

We believe this approach offers policymakers and funders a number of benefits. For example, models can

• account for much more complexity than our mental models—allow us to simultaneously examine combinations of programs, policies, and practices;
• simulate the effects of impacts and lags over time (you don’t have to wait years to see if something has the desired effect);
• uncover potential unintended consequences;
• eliminate the need to experiment on students.

How can I get involved?

At the moment, the best way to involve yourself with the network is to join the Google Group set up for the SRMN. This Google application provides a space for a message board, document sharing, member profiles if desired, and other useful applications. The SRMN Google Group is open to all interested parties, but it does require an initial registration. Find the sign-in page and instructions here: http://groups.google.com/group/srmn.

What do you mean by open innovation?

Open innovation is a paradigm in which ongoing research results are openly shared across organizations and disciplines to further innovation.  Often, it is supported by software with publicly available source code that makes it possible for anyone to use, change, and redistribute the software. The STEM education model will be made available through open source software so that SRMN members can contribute to its development. Other well-known examples of open innovation or open source are Wikipedia (read its entry on open innovation), Drupal, and Mozilla’s browser, Firefox.

How do I share my changes to the model? How can I contribute to the model?

Procedures are currently bring finalized regarding how to submit changes to the model.  Please check back often, as they will be posted as soon as possible.