Undergraduate Research in the Sciences: Engaging Students in Real Science

Undergraduate research (UR) is widely believed to enhance the learning experience of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. This is the first comprehensive, practical, research–based book on undergraduate research. It addresses how the benefits to UR participants arise; compares the benefits of UR with other types of educational activities or experience; the long–term value of UR; and more. Intended to assist both existing and new UR practitioners with program design and evaluation needs, the book will also be useful to the wider community of academics, policy–makers, and funders of UR programs.

Spis treści:
The Authors.
Foreword.
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
1 What Is Undergraduate Research, and Why Does It Matter?
2 What Is Known About the Student Outcomes of Undergraduate Research?
3 What Do Students Gain from Conducting Research?
4 Are the Gains from Research Unique?
5 What Are the Career and Longer–Term Impacts of Undergraduate Research?
6 How Do Minority Students Benefit from Research?
7 How Do Research Advisors Work with Students?
8 How Do Research Advisors Mentor, Advise, and Evaluate Students?
9 What Are the Costs and Benefits to Research Advisors?
10 Summary, Implications, and Issues for the Future.
Appendix A: Interview Samples.
Appendix B: Research Design and Methodology.
Appendix C: Interview Protocols.
Appendix D: Detailed Frequency Counts for Observations of Student Gains.
References.
Index.