ERIC Number: EJ1427923
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9266
EISSN: EISSN-2157-6009
Integrating Museum Education into an Introductory Biology CURE Leads to Positive Perceptions of Scientific Research and Museum Exhibitions among Students, Faculty, and Staff
Nikki T. Donegan; Jocelyn M. Zachariah; Jeffrey T. Olimpo
Journal of Biological Education, v58 n3 p684-701 2024
Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been increasingly incorporated into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula, leading to greater inclusion of students in real-world STEM practices. Implicit within the definition of CUREs is the notion that generated research findings will have relevancy to one or more communities beyond the boundaries of the classroom. However, limited studies have examined this dimension of CUREs, and those that have present conflicting results. To address these concerns, we conducted an exploratory mixed methods study to investigate the impact of embedding a museum education experience into a one-semester introductory biology CURE on student, faculty, and staff outcomes. Analysis of student survey data indicated improvement in attitudes, confidence, and science/museum skills following participation in the CURE. Semi-structured interview responses provided by CURE faculty and museum staff revealed similar perceptions, highlighting the value of museums as a novel avenue for engaging CURE students. Collectively, these data suggest that involving and supporting STEM students in the design and installation of museum exhibits has the potential to be a powerful tool for achieving broader relevance in CUREs.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Museums, Biology, Science Instruction, Introductory Courses, Undergraduate Students, Inclusion, STEM Careers, Student Attitudes, Self Esteem, Science Process Skills, Partnerships in Education, Employee Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, College Faculty, Student Research, Course Content, Research Skills, Exhibits, Learner Engagement
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas (El Paso)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A