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ERIC Number: EJ1450459
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-0149-4910
Undergraduate Research Course Assessment Practices in a College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Wendy J. Dahl; Amanda L. Ford; Allen F. Wysocki
NACTA Journal, v68 p9-15 2024
Undergraduate research experiences provide engaging learning opportunities but are often not formally assessed for gains in knowledge and skills. This study examined undergraduate research assessment practices and the implementation of a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) research course in all academic units within a college of agricultural and life sciences. During the 2013-2014 academic year, undergraduate students registered for a letter-graded research course, and faculty supervising undergraduate research experiences were surveyed regarding assessment practices. Based on survey responses, an S/U 0-3 credit research course and syllabus template were implemented. Undergraduate students were subsequently surveyed on their 2015 and 2020 fall semester research course experiences. At baseline, most students did not receive a course syllabus (87%), however, they were verbally informed of research expectations (89%). Grades were determined by attendance and participation, and these findings were confirmed by the faculty respondents. Following implementation, 58% agreed or strongly agreed that they were more likely to participate in research with a 0-credit option and that having research on their transcript was important (89%). By 2020, 64% of respondents preferred a 0-credit option. Receiving a syllabus continued to be uncommon. S/U-grading of undergraduate research may be most appropriate for participatory-based assessment; however, steps are needed to promote the 0-credit option and ensure syllabi use for transparency of course expectations and assessment criteria.
North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. 1014 6th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. Tel: 208-957-7001; e-mail: support@nacta.org; Web site: https://nactateachers.org/
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: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A