Journal article
Mini-Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Impact on Student Understanding of STEM Research and Interest in STEM Programs
Journal of college science teaching, Vol.48(6), pp.44-54
07/01/2019
Abstract
Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) increase interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research and careers. UREs are utilized as recruitment tools for advanced degree programs and often target underrepresented minorities (URMs). However, UREs accommodate a limited number of students. Course-based UREs (CUREs) have the same benefits as UREs and reach more students, but traditionally cannot be used for recruitment. Here we describe and assess a 1-week "mini-CURE" for the perceived value of its components and ability to meet course learning objectives, provide similar research benefits, and serve as a URM recruitment tool. The mini-CURE was incorporated into an undergraduate genetics course at a minority-serving institution and was taught by a professor and graduate student from a distant research-intensive university. Through a course evaluation and pre/post surveys, we find the mini-CURE provides increased student perceived understanding of course learning objectives and biomedical research/careers. Additionally, students reported an increase in interest in applying to programs at the distant university. Thus, the mini-CURE is a low-cost mechanism of introducing students to an authentic research experience, while serving as a URM recruitment tool.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Mini-Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Impact on Student Understanding of STEM Research and Interest in STEM Programs
- Creators
- Tina L TootleDarren S HoffmannAnna K AllenAndrew J SpracklenChristopher M GroenDaniel J Kelpsch
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of college science teaching, Vol.48(6), pp.44-54
- Publisher
- National Science Teachers Association
- ISSN
- 0047-231X
- eISSN
- 1943-4898
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/01/2019
- Description audience
- Professional
- Academic Unit
- Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine; Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Record Identifier
- 9984286262402771
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