Incorporating Research into Undergraduate Design Courses: A Patent-Centered Approach

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Schaefer ◽  
Jitesh H. Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Educational Setting ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Educational Framework

It is well known and widely accepted that the integration of research and teaching in a problem-based educational setting helps to foster deep learning among students. In this paper, we describe how a patent on a rotary diesel engine, which had failed to work in practice, was used to link undergraduate research and teaching activities by orchestrating two design courses around this patent. Learning outcomes, course goals, content as well as assignments and projects were defined based on constructive alignment. Students' performance was assessed using so-called assessment rubrics, based on Bloom's taxonomy, which were specifically developed for both courses. After introducing the educational framework for this approach to enhancing student learning, we explain how both courses were designed and delivered in order to meet the higher-level educational outcomes envisaged. The paper closes with an overview of both our experiences and those of our students.

Linking Research and Teaching: Two Design Courses Orchestrated Around a Rotary Diesel Engine Patent

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Schaefer ◽  
Jitesh H. Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Constructive Alignment ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Educational Framework

It is well known and widely accepted that the integration of research and teaching in a problem-based setting helps to foster deep learning among students. In this paper, we describe how a patent of a rotary diesel engine, that had failed to work in practice, was used to link undergraduate research and teaching activities by orchestrating two design courses around this patent. Learning outcomes, course goals, content as well as assignments and projects were defined based on constructive alignment. Students’ performance was assessed using so-called assessment rubrics based on Bloom’s taxonomy, which were specifically developed for both courses. After introducing the educational framework for this approach to enhancing student learning, we explain how both courses were designed and delivered in order to meet the higher level educational outcomes envisaged. The paper closes with an overview of both our experiences and those of our students.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran dan Gaya Berpikir Terhadap Hasil Belajar Mata Kuliah Filsafat Pendidikan

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-233
Author(s):  
Hamlan Andi Baso Malla ◽  
Herlina Herlina ◽  
Misnah Misnah
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Educational Philosophy ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Thinking Style ◽  
Convergent Thinking ◽  
Deep Learning Model

This study aims at revealling the effect of instructional models and students thinking styles on the students learning outcomes of the educational philosophy course at the IAIN Palu. The research method used in this research was quasi experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial design, data were analyzed statistically using ANAVA. The result of research shows that 1) the students learning outcomes who learned through deep learning model is higher than the students who learned through surface learning; 2) there is an interaction effect between instructional model with thinking style on the learning outcomes of educational philosophy course; 3) student learning outcomes using deep learning model and have divergent thinking style is higher than student learning outcomes that have convergent thinking style; 4) student learning outcomes using surface learning model and have the convergent thinking style is higher than student learning outcomes that have divergent thinking style.

scholarly journals DYNAMICS OF LEARNING MOTIVATION/ DE-MOTIVATION IN THE CONTEXT OF TEACHERS’ COMPETENCIES IN LEARNING MOTIVATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Birutė Anužienė ◽  
Rūta Marija Andriekienė ◽  
Marina Voropajeva
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Teacher Support ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Education College

This article presents findings of the study of students’ attitude toward the dynamics of learning motivation/de-motivation and teachers’ competencies in learning motivation. The study is based on the assumption that students’ motivation in higher education (college or university) is to be supported and enhanced throughout their studies, while positive dynamics of it is subject to the use of learning motivation competencies by teachers in their teaching activities. It is highly important to identify the interrelation between teachers’ competencies in learning motivation and students’ motivation/de-motivation factors so that to establish tools for refining the objects under study, to enable a purposeful action, to make a focused intervention in the ongoing teaching processes for improvement thereof and obtaining better learning outcomes for students. Analysis of students’ attitude might help to respond more comprehensively the following problematic questions: What are motivation/de-motivation factors for student learning? What do teachers’ competencies in learning motivation consist of? In what ways can a teacher support the positive dynamics of learning motivation in students? Thus, this article is aimed to analyse factors for the dynamics of students’ motivation/de-motivation, a content of teachers’ competencies in learning motivation, and their practice from the students’ point of view. The article consists of an introduction and two parts: the first part provides theoretical discourse, the second part is dedicated to an empirical analysis of students’ attitude toward the learning motivation/de-motivation factors, teachers’ competencies in learning motivation, a content thereof, and dynamics of learning motivation. The article ends with a discussion and conclusions, followed by references. 

scholarly journals Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Dengan Penggunaan Media Peta Pada Materi Pengetahuan Dasar Pemetaaan Siswa Kelas X IPS-2 SMAN 1 Wangi-Wangi

LaGeografia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Chindy Citra Dewi ◽  
Surdin Surdin ◽  
La Ode Amaluddin
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Knowledge Mapping ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
A Value

SMAN 1 Wangi-Wangi is one of the schools in Wakatobi Regency which is the location of research because the learning outcomes are still low. The purpose of this study is(1) To find out student learning activities by using map media on basic knowledge mapping materials. (2) To find out the teaching activities of teachers by using map media on basic knowledge mapping materials.(3) To find out the geography learning outcomes of students of cl ass X IPS-2 of SMA Negeri 1 Wangi-Wangi by using map media on mapping basic knowledge material. This research is a classroom action research (CAR) and the data of this study using activity observation sheets that contain student learning activities and teacher teaching activities, while to obtain student geography learning outcomes by conducting tests as a research method.From the results of the study showed that: (1) student learning activities obtained an average score of 3.5 which is categorized as good.(2) teacher teaching activities obtained an average score of 3.4 which is categorized as good. (3) the geography learning outcomes of students of class X IPS-2 SMAN 1 obtained an average score of 79, with 81% completeness or there were 26 students from 32 students with a value of ≥ 70 according to the KKM of geography subjects.So, it can be concluded that after the implementation of cycle 1 and cycle 2 by using map media on student learning activities, teacher teaching activities, and student learning outcomes have increased.SMAN 1 Wangi-Wangi is one of the schools in Wakatobi Regency which is the location of research because the learning outcomes are still low. The purpose of this study is(1) To find out student learning activities by using map media on basic knowledge mapping materials. (2) To find out the teaching activities of teachers by using map media on basic knowledge mapping materials.(3) To find out the geography learning outcomes of students of cl ass X IPS-2 of SMA Negeri 1 Wangi-Wangi by using map media on mapping basic knowledge material. This research is a classroom action research (CAR) and the data of this study using activity observation sheets that contain student learning activities and teacher teaching activities, while to obtain student geography learning outcomes by conducting tests as a research method.From the results of the study showed that: (1) student learning activities obtained an average score of 3.5 which is categorized as good.(2) teacher teaching activities obtained an average score of 3.4 which is categorized as good. (3) the geography learning outcomes of students of class X IPS-2 SMAN 1 obtained an average score of 79, with 81% completeness or there were 26 students from 32 students with a value of ≥ 70 according to the KKM of geography subjects.So, it can be concluded that after the implementation of cycle 1 and cycle 2 by using map media on student learning activities, teacher teaching activities, and student learning outcomes have increased.

MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SEJARAH MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE MAKE A MATCH PADA SISWA KELAS 〖XI〗^B IPS DI SMA NEGERI 2 PARIGI

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurfadila Indomanan ◽  
H. Mursidin T ◽  
Pendais Hak
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Public High School ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Model Type

ABSTRAK: Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu Untuk meningkatkan aktivitas mengajar guru Sejarah kelas IPS di SMA Negeri 2 Parigi melalui model pembelajaran kooperatif Tipe Make A Match. Untuk meningkatkan aktivitas belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Sejarah di kelas IPS di SMA Negeri 2 Parigi model pembelajaran kooperatif Tipe Make A Match. Untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Sejarah di kelas IPS di SMA Negeri 2 Parigi melalui model pembelajaran kooperatif Tipe Make A Match. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran kooperatif Make A Match. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dua siklus. Penelitian ini terdiri dari beberapa tahap, yaitu: (1) Perencanaan, (2) Pelaksanaan, (3) Pengamatan, (4) Refleksi. Subyek penelitian ini adalah guru dan siswa kelas IPS SMA Negeri 2 Parigi dengan jumlah siswa 21 peserta didik, yang terdiri dari 15 peserta didik laki-laki dan 6 peserta didik perempuan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan pada aktivitas mengajar guru, aktifitas belajar siswa dan hasil belajar siswa dari siklus I ke siklus II. Aktivitas mengajar guru pada siklus I mencapai persentase keberhasilan 64,28% meningkat pada siklus II menjadi 92,85%, aktifitas belajar siswa dari siklus I mencapai persentase keberhasilan 54,54% meningkat pada siklus II dengan persentase keberhasilan mencapai 90,90%, kemudian hasil belajar siswa dari siklus I mencapai persentase ketuntasan yang diperoleh 47,61%, pada siklus II meningkat dengan persentase ketuntasan 85,71% atau sebanyak 18 dari 21 siswa yang tuntas (mencapai nilai KKM) secara individual dengan mendapat nilai ≥75. Kata Kunci: Kooperatif Tipe Make A Match, Hasil Belajar SiswaABSTRAC: The purpose of this study is to improve teaching activities of the class history teacher (XI) ^ B IPS in SMA Negeri 2 Parigi through the cooperative learning model Type Make A Match. To increase student learning activities on the history subject in class (XI)^ B IPS in SMA Negeri 2 Parigi Cooperative learning model Type Make A Match. To improve student learning outcomes in the subject of History in the class (XI) ^ B IPS in SMA Negeri 2 Parigi through the cooperative learning model Type Make A Match. This type of research is Classroom Action Research (CAR) by applying the Make A Match cooperative learning model. This research was conducted in two cycles. This research consists of several stages, namely: (1) Planning, (2) Implementation, (3) Observation, (4) Reflection. The subjects of this study were the teacher and students of class XI IPS B Public High School 2 Parigi with a total of 21 students, consisting of 15 male students and 6 female students. Based on the results of the study showed an increase in teacher teaching activities, student learning activities and student learning outcomes from cycle I to cycle II. Teacher teaching activities in the first cycle reached a percentage of success 64.28% increased in the second cycle to 92.85%, student learning activities from the first cycle reached a percentage of success 54.54% increased in the second cycle with a percentage of success reaching 90.90%, then student learning outcomes from the first cycle reached the percentage of completeness obtained 47.61%, in the second cycle increased with a percentage of completeness 85.71% or as many as 18 of 21 students who completed (reaching KKM scores) individually by getting a value of ≥75. Keywords: Cooperative Type Make A Match, Student Learning Outcomes

Effect of Type of Curriculum on Educational Outcomes and Motivation Among Marketing Students With Different Learning Styles

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Ackerman ◽  
Jing Hu
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Student Autonomy ◽  
Passive Learning ◽  
Marketing Educators

Using an active learning approach to motivate students to learn has been advocated by many educators. It has been an ongoing discussion on whether marketing educators should customize their teaching activities based on the learning styles found in their classes recently. This study uses a scale of learning styles that includes a measure of the degree of student autonomy from the instructor. Results from an experiment of marketing students indicate that courses using an active learning approach consistently receive significant higher ratings on learning outcomes and motivation measures than those using a passive learning approach for autonomous learners, but that there are few benefits for students who are low in autonomy. This suggests that though active learning assignments are very effective, they will not necessarily lead to positive outcomes for all types of learners.

scholarly journals Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Geografi Siswa di Kelas X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari dengan Menerapkan Model Pembelajaran Probing Prompting pada Bahan Utama Dinamika Atmosfer dan Dampaknya pada Kehidupan

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Putriani Putriani ◽  
La Ode Amaluddin
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Atmospheric Dynamics ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

MAN 1 Kendari is one of the schools in Kendari city that is the object of research because its learning outcomes are still low, this is because only 64% of them meet the KKM. The purpose of this study: (1) describes the description of student learning activities taught through the application of probing learning models prompting class X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari on the material dynamics of the atmosphere and its effect on life (2) describing the description of teacher teaching activities through the application of probing learning models prompting class X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari in the matter of atmospheric dynamics and its effect on life (3) describing an increase in geography learning outcomes of class X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari taught through the application of probing learning models prompting the material dynamics of the atmosphere and its effect on life. The data in this study are qualitative and quantitative data obtained from observation sheets and learning outcomes tests. The results of the study showed that by applying the Probing Prompting learning model: (1) student learning activities increased with an average score of 3.4 in good category. (2) teacher teaching activities increased with an average score of 3.5 in good category. (3) the geography learning outcomes of students of Class X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari increased from an average score of 71 to an average score of 81, with learning completeness of 86.1% which was ≥ 75 according to the KKM determined by the school.MAN 1 Kendari adalah salah satu sekolah di kota Kendari yang menjadi objek penelitian karena hasil belajarnya yang masih rendah, hal ini dikarenakan hanya 64% yang memenuhi KKM. Tujuan penelitian ini :(1) mendeskripsikan gambaran aktivitas belajar siswa yang diajar melalui penerapan model pembelajaran probing prompting kelas X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari pada materi dinamika atmosfer dan pengaruhnya terhadap kehidupan (2) mendeskripsikan gambaran aktivitas mengajar guru melalui penerapan model pembelajaran probing prompting kelas X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari pada materi dinamika atmosfer dan pengaruhnya tehadap kehidupan (3) mengetahui gambaran peningkatan hasil belajar geografi siswa kelas X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari yang diajar melalui penerapan model pembelajaran probing prompting pada materi dinamika atmosfer dan pengaruhnya terhadap kehidupan. Data dalam penelitian ini adalah data kualitatif dan kuantitatif yang diperoleh dari lembar observasi dan tes hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran Probing Prompting: (1) aktivitas belajar siswa meningkat dengan skor rata-rata 3,4 berkategori baik. (2) aktivitas mengajar guru meningkat dengan skor rata-rata 3,5 berkategori baik. (3) hasil belajar geografi siswa Kelas X IPS 3 MAN 1 Kendari  meningkat dari rata-rata skor 71 menjadi rata-rata skor 81, dengan ketuntasan belajar 86,1% yang ≥ 75 sesuai dengan KKM yang ditentukan sekolah.

scholarly journals Two-Dimentional Figure Learning Through Problem Based Learning in Class V Students of Primary Schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
Rahmah Kumullah ◽  
Ahmad Yulianto
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Fifth Grade ◽  
Class V ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Fifth Grade Students

The problem of this research is the low student learning outcomes in mathematics subject class V Pai State Primary School. The purpose of this study was to improve mathematics learning outcomes through problem-based learning in fifth grade students. This type of research uses a Class Action Research that includes cycles of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were teachers and fifth grade students with a total of 20 students, consisting of 9 men and 11 women. Data collection techniques used were observation, testing and documentation. Analysis of the data used is qualitative and quantitative. The results showed an increase in student learning activities and outcomes. This increase can be seen from each cycle. In the teaching activities of teachers and student learning activities have increased. In the first cycle, the teaching activities of teachers and students were in the moderately increased category in the second cycle being a good category. Improvements also occurred in student learning outcomes. In the first cycle, the classical completeness which has not been determined and is in the inadequate category has not yet been achieved. In cycle II student learning outcomes have improved, it is seen from the average value that has increased and is in the very good category. The conclusion of this study is that the existence of teacher teaching activities and student learning activities in learning mathematics by applying problem-based learning can improve student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects in Class V Pai State Primary School

scholarly journals PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN DISCOVERY LEARNING STRATEGI THINK TALK WRITE DALAM MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR MENULIS TEKS ULASAN KELAS VIII SMP

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-88
Author(s):  
Dewi Adeninawaty ◽  
Rahmat Soe’oed ◽  
Ahmad Ridhani
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Discovery Learning ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Teaching Activities

This study aims to determine (1) teacher teaching activities in applying Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW) learning models, (2) student learning activities in implementing the Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW) model, (3) increased motivation to learn to write text on student reviews in applying the Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW) Learning model, (4) improvement of learning outcomes writing text review in the application of the Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW) learning model. This research is a classroom action research with four stages including: planning, action, observation and reflection. The subjects of this study were VIII B students of Al-Muhajirin Middle School in Muara Badak Kab. Kutai Kertanegara 2017/2018 school year, totaling 28 students. Data collection techniques used are observation, documentation, interviews, field notes and tests.Data validity in this study uses data source triangulation and method triangulation. The data analysis technique used is an interactive analysis model developed by Miles and Huberman which consists of four components, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study are 1) teacher teaching activities have increased by an average of 64.71% in cycle I and an average of 87.25% in cycle II, 2) student learning activities have increased with an average of 54.44% in cycle I and an average of 84.44% in cycle II, 3) student learning motivation has increased by an average of 53.83% in cycle I and an average of 84.19% in cycle II, 4) student learning outcomes have increased with an average of 52.38% in cycle I and an average of 84.52% in cycle II. It can be concluded that the implementation of the model with this learning strategy has increased. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui (1) kegiatan mengajar guru dalam menerapkan model pembelajaran Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW), (2) aktivitas belajar siswa dalam menerapkan model Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW), (3) peningkatan motivasi belajar menulis teks pada ulasan siswa dalam menerapkan model pembelajaran Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW), (4) peningkatan hasil belajar menulis ulasan teks dalam penerapan model pembelajaran Discovery Learning Think Talk Write (DL-TTW). Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas dengan empat tahap termasuk: perencanaan, tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa VIII B SMP Al-Muhajirin di Muara Badak Kabupaten Kutai Kertanegara tahun ajaran 2017/2018, berjumlah 28 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, dokumentasi, wawancara, catatan lapangan dan tes. Validitas data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan triangulasi sumber data dan triangulasi metode. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah model analisis interaktif yang dikembangkan oleh Miles dan Huberman yang terdiri dari empat komponen, yaitu pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini adalah (1) aktivitas mengajar guru mengalami peningkatan rata-rata 64,71% pada siklus I dan rata-rata 87,25% pada siklus II, (2) aktivitas belajar siswa mengalami peningkatan dengan rata-rata 54,44% pada siklus I dan rata-rata 84,44% pada siklus II, (3) motivasi belajar siswa meningkat rata-rata 53,83% pada siklus I dan rata-rata 84,19% pada siklus II, (4) hasil belajar siswa meningkat dengan rata-rata 52,38% pada siklus I dan rata-rata 84,52% pada siklus II. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model dengan strategi pembelajaran ini telah meningkat.

scholarly journals From the Editor

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. vii-ix
Author(s):  
Brian Whalen
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Outcomes Assessment ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Education Abroad ◽  
Student Research

This Special Issue is a collaboration between Frontiers and the Forum on Education Abroad. The idea for this volume came from the Forum’s Committee on Outcomes Assessment, which initiated the Undergraduate Research Awards as a way to document the very best examples of student learning outcomes in education abroad. Members of that initial Committee were Mell Bolen, Lilli Engle, Pat Martin, Laura Siaya, Mick Vande Berg and myself. The first awards competition in 2004 yielded over 60 nominations from 40 Forum member institutions, including ones submitted by students from overseas institutions. Each application included an abstract, a detailed outline, and a faculty recommendation. A committee of faculty from various Forum member institutions and various academic disciplines chose the three winners: Heidi Boutros, Brian Hoyer, and Kevin McAdam. Frontiers has had as its central mission the examination of the distinctive process and substantial outcomes of student learning abroad. The journal’s strategic partnership with the Forum represents a shared interest in documenting and promoting the study abroad learning process. Previous Special Issues of Frontiers have focused on the many perspectives on study abroad learning, including language learning, science education abroad, experiential education in a study abroad context, the relation between area studies and study abroad, and a volume devoted exclusively to student learning outcomes. The Frontiers editorial board viewed the Forum’s Undergraduate Research Award as an opportunity for the journal to develop a series of Special Issues that would provide an in-depth examination of the value of a research approach to study abroad learning. We therefore invited the top 15 students in the competition to submit their full manuscripts for consideration. The eight student articles that appear in this volume were selected by the editorial board as excellent representations of the type of research of which students studying abroad are capable. In conceiving this special issue we were mindful of the context for student research. We wanted to be certain to include the perspectives of faculty advisors familiar with the students’ research since faculty play the critical roles of mentoring, supporting, monitoring, sometimes collaborating with, and assessing the students. We asked faculty to relate their view of the students’ research, especially how it relates to the students’ entire undergraduate experience. We also asked faculty to consider ways in which the research conducted abroad furthers the aims of the relevant academic discipline. In this way, we hoped to inspire discussions about how disciplinary curricula may incorporate research conducted abroad in order to advance the particular learning goals of major fields of study. Two members of the Forum’s Committee on Outcomes Assessment, Mell Bolen and Pat Martin, agreed to represent the views of education abroad professionals in this volume. They provide a useful perspective on how we as study abroad advisors and administrators may support the process of developing and promoting opportunities for undergraduate student research in education abroad. We also felt strongly that hearing from the students themselves, apart from their research papers, was critically important, and also would be of great interest to our readers. The winners of the 2004 Forum Undergraduate Awards presented their projects to an eager audience of education abroad professionals at a plenary session at the Forum Annual Conference. This volume provides another opportunity for us to “hear” their voices. We, therefore, asked each of them to write about the “research context” of their projects so that readers would understand the ways in which the research related to the education abroad experience. Following on a suggestion made by Kathy Sideli, Chair of the Forum Board of Directors, Frontiers and the Forum will be following the lives of these students and assess on an ongoing basis the impact of their research and study abroad experiences. We believe these students represent the most outstanding students who study abroad. Assessing the longitudinal impact of study abroad on these students will provide evidence for the tangible outcomes that education abroad has on our students. As a first step in that process we have asked each student to provide a short postscript in which they reflect, over a year after their graduation from their institutions, on how their research and study abroad experience continues to influence their lives. We will continue to provide yearly updates on these students and continue to track what are likely to be interesting careers and lives influenced by their research presented here. It is important to note that this is the first in what we hope will be an ongoing series of Special Issues that present undergraduate research conducted as part of education abroad. The second round of the Forum’s Undergraduate Research Awards have been completed, and we are already planning the 2006 Special Issue that will feature students’ work from that competition. Generous funding from the IFSA Foundation has made this entire project possible. Frontiers received a grant of $30,000 from the IFSA Foundation to publish the first three Special Issues, and we thank them for recognizing the importance of this project for the field of education abroad. Indeed, the Frontiers editorial board and the Forum believe strongly that one of the best measures of education abroad outcomes are volumes such as this one that showcase the very best examples of student learning. Both Frontiers and the Forum are committed to facilitating research on the outcomes of education abroad. This volume and those to follow are contributions to an ongoing effort that we hope will be useful in providing evidence of learning outcomes. We also have another goal: to inspire faculty and study abroad professionals to consider ways in which undergraduate research conducted as part of education abroad can form an essential part of our campus curricula. Brian Whalen, Dickinson College The Forum on Education Abroad

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