Formalizing Curiosity

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-38
Author(s):  
Laura L. Behling
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Administrative Leadership ◽  
Institutional Practices ◽  
Recruitment And Retention

Abstract Faculty and students in English and other humanities disciplines engage in undergraduate research and scholarship. Administrative support ensures institutional practices, policies such as those focused on tenure and promotion, and rewards are in place to encourage students as scholars, mentored by faculty. Such administrative leadership demonstrates an inclusive recognition that all disciplines engage in undergraduate scholarship; contributes to recruitment and retention efforts; positively impacts on student learning; and effectively promotes the institution, faculty, and students.

Undergraduate Research Abroad: Shared Themes in Student Learning from Two Models of Course-Embedded Undergraduate Research in Field Biology Study Abroad Courses

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Hamel ◽  
◽  
Hannah M. ter Hofstede ◽  
Adrienne Gauthier ◽  
David Lopatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
High Impact ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Learning Gains ◽  
Professional Research ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The authors present student self-reported learning gains from two undergraduate courses that embed research within study abroad courses. Students in one course worked in small groups on original research projects; students in the second course collectively contributed to one ongoing, professional research project. Differences in student learning between courses raise questions about the relationship of course structures to high-impact practices.

A Comparison of Two Different Strategies for Undergraduate Research Within the Framework of a Rotor Dynamics Laboratory

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Meagher ◽  
Xi Wu
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Rotor Dynamics ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Directed Research

Introductory graduate level courses and upper division technical electives often present a student with his or her first research project. Time limitations of a course require a balance between open ended discovery, development of specialized technical knowledge, and teaching the mechanics of research methodology. The case study presented in this paper is an outline of two different strategies to introduce research to undergraduate students within the framework of a rotor dynamics laboratory. The laboratory had historically been designed to demonstrate machinery malfunctions in a series of short exercises. The laboratory was changed to have several introductory labs designed to prepare students for an extended self-directed research project that included literature searches, paper reviews, design of experiments, and presentation of research findings to the class. In one strategy the students were expected to practice discovery primarily through experimentation with specific, restricted goals. In the other strategy the students were given more flexibility defining the research question and in establishing priorities. Both projects had students design an experiment whose results were compared to mathematical simulations and each led to research that was presented at a conference. Although both were considered successful in terms of student learning and research outcomes, a balance biased toward experimentation and restricted student options for discovery actually led to broader research findings and more in-depth student research but with less student appreciation for and practice with the necessary preliminary stages of conducting research. The student learning experiences and methodologies for each scenario are presented and compared in this paper.

scholarly journals Vigilante Innovation (VIX): case study on the development of student skills through a team-based design process and environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendra H. Oliver ◽  
Jonathan D. Ehrman ◽  
Christina C. Marasco
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Student Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Many undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields lack experience in collaborative thinking, limiting their effectiveness as they enter careers in academic and industrial environments. The SyBBURE Searle Undergraduate Research Program has incorporated a team-based design component into its curriculum to fill this gap in training. This design framework, called Vigilante Innovation (VIX) to highlight its emphasis on self-initiation and action, has evolved into a multi-semester-long group undertaking that combines just-in-time training in entrepreneurship and project design with student-driven collaborations aimed at solving a real-world problem. We hypothesize that this framework provides a hands-on, realistic workplace simulation task through which students can develop an understanding of teamwork. Results Using a case-study approach, we discuss the development of the VIX design framework since its inception in 2014 and assess the impact of the VIX framework on student learning and growth using a student survey from 2016 to 2017 and student interviews from 2018. Conclusions A flexible approach, an annualized project timeline, a student-driven prototyping space, and self-selecting project areas emerged as key contributors to the successful implementation of the VIX design and to deepened student learning. The diversity of VIX teams, the self-reported success of student projects, and student interviews indicate that students who participate in VIX possess an in-depth understanding of team-based strategies. These findings support the VIX framework as an effective method of providing undergraduates in STEM fields with efficient and meaningful exposure to the team-based entrepreneurial skills that are vital in their future careers. Additional work is needed to determine if this approach has a long-term impact on student success in team-based environments. The website vigilanteinnovation.com houses a customizable, freely available version of the design guide for educators and innovators alike.

Online Learning and Quality Practice With Administrative Support and Collaboration

2021 ◽  
pp. 837-854
Author(s):  
Deborah G. Wooldridge ◽  
Sandra Poirier ◽  
Julia M. Matuga
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Cultural Issue ◽  
Teaching Online ◽  
Demand For Education ◽  
Faculty Teaching

Higher education institutions must innovate and develop new modes of learning, both formal and informal, that meet the demands of the knowledge-driven economy. There is a growing demand for education and a push for non-traditional ways of delivering knowledge and learning. This chapter begins by identifying the technological changes that are affecting all societies and how these changes will specifically impact postsecondary education. The topic of course delivery is viewed as a cultural issue that permeates processes from the design of an online course to the evaluation of an online course. This chapter will examine and review key components of and tools for designing high impact online courses that support student learning and provide suggestions for faculty teaching online courses to assist in creating high-quality online courses that support teaching and, consequently, facilitate opportunities for student learning.

Book Review--Undergraduate Research Abroad: Approaches, Models, and Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-76
Author(s):  
Mary Ann Studer ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
International Research ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Learning Partnerships ◽  
Faculty And Administrators ◽  
Level Of Experience

The strength of Undergraduate Research Abroad: Approaches, Models, and Challenges ed Kate H. Patch and Louis M. Berends lies in the organization of the text and heterogeneous approach in considering international research by undergraduates, making the work valuable to faculty and administrators regardless of their level of experience in this area. Central themes are student learning, partnerships, faculty collaborations, mentorship, trust, quality, ethics, and preparation.

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.

scholarly journals Web-based authentic inquiry experiences in large introductory classes consistently associated with significant learning gains for all students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Ben Wu ◽  
Carolyn Sandoval ◽  
Stephanie Knight ◽  
Xavier Jaime ◽  
Maria Macik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Science Literacy ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Learning Gains ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Authentic Inquiry ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Lower Division ◽  
Introductory Classes

Abstract Background Continuous calls for reform in science education emphasize the need to provide science experiences in lower-division courses to improve the retention of STEM majors and to develop science literacy and STEM skills for all students. Open or authentic inquiry and undergraduate research are effective science experiences leading to multiple gains in student learning and development. Most inquiry-based learning activities, however, are implemented in laboratory classes and the majority of them are guided inquiries. Although course-based undergraduate research experiences have significantly expanded the reach of the traditional apprentice approach, it is still challenging to provide research experiences to nonmajors and in large introductory courses. We examined student learning through a web-based authentic inquiry project implemented in a high-enrollment introductory ecology course for over a decade. Results Results from 10 years of student self-assessment of learning showed that the authentic inquiry experiences were consistently associated with significant gains in self-perception of interest and understanding and skills of the scientific process for all students—both majors and nonmajors, both lower- and upper-division students, both women and men, and both URM and non-URM students. Student performance in evaluating the quality of an inquiry report, before and after the inquiry project, also showed significant learning gains for all students. The authentic inquiry experiences proved highly effective for lower-division students, nonmajors, and women and URM students, whose learning gains were similar to or greater than those of their counterparts. The authentic inquiry experiences were particularly helpful to students who were less prepared with regard to the ability to evaluate a scientific report and narrowed the performance gap. Conclusions These findings suggest that authentic inquiry experiences can serve as an effective approach for engaging students in high-enrollment, introductory science courses. They can facilitate development of science literacy and STEM skills of all students, skills that are critical to students’ personal and professional success and to informed engagement in civic life.

scholarly journals The Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme: A co-created approach to transforming student learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth L Ayres ◽  
Christopher J Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Research Scholarship

The value of student as researcher/‘co-producer’ has been well documented in the research literature.  This case study outlines an institutional 'student as researcher' initiative that was introduced to enable the co-creation of research by undergraduate students working in partnership with members of academic staff.  The paper outlines the establishment and implementation of the scheme and offers a reflection upon and exploration of its perceived value, through the lens of staff and students who participated in it.

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