scholarly journals An introductory biology research-rich laboratory course shows improvements in students’ research skills, confidence, and attitudes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261278
Author(s):  
Iglika V. Pavlova ◽  
David L. Remington ◽  
Meg Horton ◽  
Elizabeth Tomlin ◽  
Mark D. Hens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Scientific Paper ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Statistical Reasoning ◽  
Introductory Biology ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Laboratory Course ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

As part of a wider reform to scaffold quantitative and research skills throughout the biology major, we introduced course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) in sections of a large-enrollment introductory biology laboratory course in a mid-level, public, minority-serving institution. This initiative was undertaken as part of the in the National Science Foundation / Council for Undergraduate Research Transformations Project. Student teams performed two or three experiments, depending on semester. They designed, implemented, analyzed, revised and iterated, wrote scientific paper-style reports, and gave oral presentations. We tested the impact of CURE on student proficiency in experimental design and statistical reasoning, and student research confidence and attitudes over two semesters. We found that students in the CURE sections met the reformed learning objectives for experimental design and statistical reasoning. CURE students also showed higher levels of experimental design proficiency, research self-efficacy, and more expert-like scientific mindsets compared to students in a matched cohort with the traditional design. While students in both groups described labs as a positive experience in end-of-semester reflections, the CURE group showed a high level of engagement with the research process. Students in CURE sections identified components of the research process that were difficult, while also reporting enjoying and valuing research. This study demonstrates improved learning, confidence, and attitudes toward research in a challenging CURE laboratory course where students had significant autonomy combined with appropriate support at a diverse public university.

scholarly journals Implementation of a Service-Learning Project Focused on Handwashing and Vaccinations Within an Undergraduate Microbiology Laboratory Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Potter
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Public Speaking ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Knowledge Development ◽  
Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Course ◽  
Bacterial Cultures ◽  
Student Community ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
The Impact

Two relevant topics in keeping populations healthy are handwashing and vaccinations. Thus, the service-learning project titled “We Are Healthy” campaign was introduced within a microbiology laboratory course with two objectives; our biologists would better understand the importance of these actions by designing activities that engage the student community and to obtain an understanding of the campus community’s behaviors and beliefs concerning these topics. Students designed the campaign to include handwashing stations, pictures of bacterial cultures from swabbing common surfaces, and trivia questions testing their peers’ knowledge of various vaccines, as well as handwashing and vaccination surveys. To assess the impact of the campaign on microbiology students (n = 34), they were provided 10 questions that were scored on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Student gains (score > 3) were reported for depth in knowledge, development of better public speaking skills, and greater respect for volunteers suggesting that the campaign was beneficial. This study subsequently led to the receiving of grants that allowed the continuation of the campaign within the course, the securing of funding for handwashing and hand sanitizing stations and the initiation of new undergraduate research projects.

scholarly journals Teaching Research Skills to Vocational Learners: Teaching Chefs to Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Willa Zhen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Culinary Institute Of America

This article focuses on teaching and mentoring course-based undergraduate research in a vocationally focused higher education setting. At the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), students are immersed in hands-on experiential classes. Their education begins with basic culinary techniques, and they gradually progress toward more specialized cooking skills such as the techniques of specific world regions or the production of specialty products such as chocolates and wedding cakes. The author discusses pedagogical techniques used to teach these learners, who are not the usual participants in independent research projects during a senior capstone. This article examines how to blend and utilize hands-on, experiential activities as part of teaching data gathering and the research process.

Guided inquiry in a biochemistry laboratory course improves experimental design ability

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1127-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina M. Goodey ◽  
Cigdem P. Talgar
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Ability Test ◽  
Laboratory Course ◽  
Laboratory Courses ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
The Impact

Many biochemistry laboratory courses expose students to laboratory techniques through pre-determined experiments in which students follow stepwise protocols provided by the instructor. This approach fails to provide students with sufficient opportunities to practice experimental design and critical thinking. Ten inquiry modules were created for a one-semester undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course; these are freely available on the project website. A slightly modified version of the Experimental Design Ability Test (EDAT) was used to assess the impact of inquiry-based learning on student experimental design ability in four experimental (inquiry) and four control (cookbook) sections. EDAT is a published tool that has been validated for use in undergraduate populations. The results, measured by pre- and post-tests, showed a significant positive impact on the experimental design ability of students in sections that employed the inquiry approach, when compared to those in control sections that employed the cookbook approach. A follow-up conversation with students in a sequel course suggested that the inquiry-based approach also benefited students by promoting self-directed learning.

scholarly journals The Experience of Completing an Undergraduate Nursing Honors Research Project on the First Professional Nursing Position

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katlyn R. Antior ◽  
Antoinette K. Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Nursing Research ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Undergraduate Research Project

Undergraduate research experiences have become a hallmark of excellence in degree programs in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, with indications that these experiences lay important groundwork for graduate education and practice in the field. In nursing, several schools offer undergraduate nursing research experiences, though there is scant research related to outcomes among nurses at the baccalaureate level. Since evidence-based practice (EBP) is becoming increasingly important in health care, the use of research-related skill sets has become more critical for practicing nurses. The benefits of undergraduate research experience have been inadequately studied and there have been no nursing studies on the impact of undergraduate nursing research experience on the practicing registered nurse. At a research intensive public university, a robust honors program exposes students to research throughout the baccalaureate degree, with student engagement in every step of the research process alongside faculty research mentors. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences and outcomes of participation in a significant undergraduate research project on the first few years of nursing practice as an RN. Data analysis was conducted using an open coding method to analyze the responses of the participants and aid in the process of identifying major themes that express the phenomenon. Through this approach a descriptive analysis of the experience of completing an undergraduate research project was completed, including the impact on the nursing practice and development of the participants in their early careers. The results suggest that extensive exposure to research in undergraduate schooling increases the level of self-confidence in the first nursing position. Participants also felt that they stood out from their peers. Other benefits include expanding knowledge regarding the research process, improving writing and public speaking skills, and advancing personal and professional development.

scholarly journals Undergraduates as Researchers – the Impact of Active Participation in Research and Conference Presentation on Psychology Undergraduate Identity and Career Aspirations

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis McIntyre Davidson ◽  
Minna Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Career Aspirations ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Impact

Although research-led teaching has been identified as an important part of psychology curricula in the United Kingdom, less is known about the impact of undergraduate research collaborations with academics, culminating in a conference presentation. The present study was a qualitative investigation into the experience of student-staff collaboration from a student perspective. We conducted semi-structured interviews with five psychology students who worked together with staff conducting research during their undergraduate degrees, disseminating the findings at an academic conference. The interviews were analysed using a thematic approach. We identified three themes, which were around the relationship with their tutor, career aspirations, and identity as a researcher/psychologist. Overall, the interviews indicated that undertaking research and attending academic conferences has a positive impact on future career aspirations, and helps students to feel that they are part of an academic community. Academic staff teaching in research-led psychology programmes should consider giving students opportunities to immerse themselves fully in the research process, ideally leading to a conference presentation for academic audiences.

scholarly journals Exploring the Role of Mindsets in a Sophomore Level Undergraduate Research Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Zigler ◽  
Sophie Grelson ◽  
Jerry Hoepner
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Several investigations have established the benefits of undergraduate student research experiences, including improved understanding of the research process, development of research skills, improved ability to interpret research, interest in future research experiences, and considering academic/research careers. Unfortunately, some students are intimidated by the research process and avoid such opportunities for growth. Such student perceptions may limit engagement in research, compromising knowledge and skills to critically evaluate research so necessary for clinical practice. The present investigation examined the student mindset perceptions pre- and post-course and student perspectives towards research following an undergraduate research course. A mixed quantitative and qualitative design was employed. While student mindsets were primarily growth based at the outset, students reported gains in perspectives on mindsets and confidence following the course. Qualitative findings further highlight the development of applications to the profession, understanding the research process, research skills, and the challenges of research. Intentional scaffolding of a research course may reduce intimidation and foster positive attitudes towards the importance of research in the discipline.

Simulation and Analysis of Mission Capability Degrades Due to Supply for the B-1 Bomber

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-290
Author(s):  
Carl R Parson ◽  
John O Miller ◽  
Jeffery D Weir
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Discrete Event Simulation ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Weapon System ◽  
Weapon Systems ◽  
Event Simulation ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

This research develops a discrete event simulation to investigate factors that affect key Air Force (AF) metrics for gauging the health of the AF spares supply chain and the impact on maintaining the mission capability of individual weapon systems. We focus on the unscheduled maintenance actions at a single air base for a single weapon system – the B-1 Bomber. A notional fleet of 16 aircraft at a single air base is modeled based on historical supply and maintenance data. To identify and quantify the effects of various factors, an experimental design is used for analyzing the output of our high-level discrete event simulation. This exploration shows we successfully capture several factors that significantly impact the key metrics used for the B-1 and have the potential to significantly increase mission capability for this weapon system.

scholarly journals The Development and Delivery of a Multidisciplinary Research Course for First-Year International Science Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 143-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Lekhi ◽  
Meghan Allen ◽  
Fok-Shuen Leung ◽  
Brett Hollis Gilley ◽  
Georg W. Rieger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
First Year ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Post Class ◽  
The Impact

Students who engage in undergraduate research experiences acquire many benefits, including an understanding of how scientific knowledge is constructed, recognition that knowledge can be complex and uncertain, and the habit of viewing knowledge critically. This paper describes a first-year two-course sequence that provides multidisciplinary opportunities for international science students to engage in the research process and present at a student-led research conference. We describe course goals and structure, and discuss whether the goals were attained using instructor reflections, student performance, and student survey data. We also evaluate the impact of changes to the curriculum between Year 1 and Year 2. In both years, we found that students engaged meaningfully with the research process and began to understand how scientific knowledge is created. We also found that a modular model with front-end support worked better for instructors as compared to a continuous individualized project mentorship model. This modular approach involved structured pre- and post-class assignments within discipline-specific themes containing examples of the research process embedded into the discipline. These discipline-specific modules were followed by modules covering broader research process themes. We encourage instructors who are thinking of delivering a similar research-based course for first-year students to provide support via example research questions and other example templates for student submissions.

ПРАГМАТИЧНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ НАТИВНОЇ РЕКЛАМИ: ФОРМИ, ТРЕНДИ (НА ПРИКЛАДІ НАТИВНОГО КОНТЕНТУ В СОЦІАЛЬНІЙ МЕРЕЖІ FACEBOOK ЩОДО БРЕНДА ФАКУЛЬТЕТУ ЖУРНАЛІСТИКИ ЗНУ)

2020 ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
V. Kovpak ◽  
N. Trotsenko
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
The Social ◽  
National University ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

<div><p><em>The article analyzes the peculiarities of the format of native advertising in the media space, its pragmatic potential (in particular, on the example of native content in the social network Facebook by the brand of the journalism department of ZNU), highlights the types and trends of native advertising. The following research methods were used to achieve the purpose of intelligence: descriptive (content content, including various examples), comparative (content presentation options) and typological (types, trends of native advertising, in particular, cross-media as an opportunity to submit content in different formats (video, audio, photos, text, infographics, etc.)), content analysis method using Internet services (using Popsters service). And the native code for analytics was the page of the journalism department of Zaporizhzhya National University on the social network Facebook. After all, the brand of the journalism department of Zaporozhye National University in 2019 celebrates its 15th anniversary. The brand vector is its value component and professional training with balanced distribution of theoretical and practical blocks (seven practices), student-centered (democratic interaction and high-level teacher-student dialogue) and integration into Ukrainian and world educational process (participation in grant programs).</em></p></div><p><em>And advertising on social networks is also a kind of native content, which does not appear in special blocks, and is organically inscribed on one page or another and unobtrusively offers, just remembering the product as if «to the word». Popsters service functionality, which evaluates an account (or linked accounts of one person) for 35 parameters, but the main three areas: reach or influence, or how many users evaluate, comment on the recording; true reach – the number of people affected; network score – an assessment of the audience’s response to the impact, or how far the network information diverges (how many share information on this page).</em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> nativeness, native advertising, branded content, special project, communication strategy.</em></p>

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