Assessment of course-based undergraduate research experiences: a meeting report

Abstract

The Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences Network (CUREnet) was initiated in 2012 with funding from the National Science Foundation program for Research Coordination Networks in Undergraduate Biology Education. CUREnet aims to address topics, problems, and opportunities inherent to integrating research experiences into undergraduate courses. During CUREnet meetings and discussions, it became apparent that there is need for a clear definition of what constitutes a CURE and systematic exploration of what makes CUREs meaningful in terms of student learning. Thus, we assembled a small working group of people with expertise in CURE instruction and assessment to: 1) draft an operational definition of a CURE, with the aim of defining what makes a laboratory course or project a "research experience"; 2) summarize research on CUREs, as well as findings from studies of undergraduate research internships that would be useful for thinking about how students are influenced by participating in CUREs; and 3) identify areas of greatest need with respect to CURE assessment, and directions for future research on and evaluation of CUREs. This report summarizes the outcomes and recommendations of this meeting.

Figure 1.

CURE logic model. This model depicts the set of variables at play in CUREs identified by the authors. During CUREs, students can working individually, in groups, or with faculty (context, green box on left) to perform corresponding activities (middle, red boxes) that yield measurable outputs (middle, pink boxes). Activities and outputs are grouped according to the five related elements of CUREs (orange boxes and arrow). Possible CURE outcomes (blue) are ordered left to right according to when students might be able to demonstrate the outcome (blue arrow) and whether the outcome is likely to be achievable from participation in a single vs. multiple CUREs (blue triangle).

Figure 2.

Example of a pathway model to guide CURE assessment. This model identifies a subset of activities (beige) students are likely to do during a CURE and the short- (pink), medium- (blue), and long- (green) term outcomes they may experience as a result. The arrows depict demonstrated or hypothesized relationships between activities and outcomes. (This figure is generated using software from the Cornell Office of Research and Evaluation [2010].)