Modeling Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences: An Agenda for Future Research and Evaluation Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are being championed as scalable ways of involving undergraduates in science research. Studies of CUREs have shown that participating students achieve many of the same outcomes as students who complete research internships. However, CUREs vary widely in their design and implementation, and aspects of CUREs that are necessary and sufficient to achieve desired student outcomes have not been elucidated. To guide future research aimed at understanding the causal mechanisms underlying CURE efficacy, we used a systems approach to generate pathway models representing hypotheses of how CURE outcomes are achieved. We started by reviewing studies of CUREs and research internships to generate a comprehensive set of outcomes of research experiences, determining the level of evidence supporting each outcome. We then used this body of research and drew from learning theory to hypothesize connections between what students do during CUREs and the outcomes that have the best empirical support. We offer these models as hypotheses for the CURE community to test, revise, elaborate, or refute. We also cite instruments that are ready to use in CURE assessment and note gaps for which instruments need to be developed.

publication date

  • March 2, 2015

has restriction

  • hybrid

Date in CU Experts

  • January 27, 2017 11:10 AM

Full Author List

  • Corwin LA; Graham MJ; Dolan EL

Full Editor List

  • Ledbetter ML

author count

  • 3

Other Profiles

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1931-7913

Additional Document Info

start page

  • es1

end page

  • es1

volume

  • 14

issue

  • 1