General Card #2880
Undergraduates in Research: What is in it for me?
Summary
Introduction to undergraduate research, connects EML (three Cs) to research and explores the benefits of undergraduates being involved in research.
Description
Undergraduates in research are a key to a successful program. They need to be made aware that research is an option for them to become involved and they also need to understand the benefits of working in a research program. Students involved in research must understand the need for Entrepreneurial Minded Learning [EML]. It prepares students to identify problems and solve them in innovative ways. Research develops their curiosity and can be measured by how students’ knowledge, thinking patterns, skills and attitudes are changed (KEEN Engineering Unleashed). Discovery and systematic conceptual structuring of knowledge is at the very core of engineering research. These patterns must be addressed early in a academic career to determine if research is something of interest. This module contains a video which will introduce the importance of undergraduate research, connect EML (the three Cs) with research, and begin the discussion on the benefits of undergraduates being involved with research.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand how, as an undergraduate, research can help shape your future.
2. Understand that research shapes your natural curiosity.
3. Describe how research helps you "learn to learn" and apply this new knowledge
4. Be aware that research can satisfy passions towards specific educational topics and allow a more in-depth study.
Instructor Tips
This is a short module with the purpose of highlighting the importance of undergraduate research and the involvement of undergraduates with research, using a video as a starting point. This would be ideal for an introduction to engineering course, a new student experience course, or for use with a professional society. Exposure to opportunities in research should come as early as possible to help students evaluate their options.
Curiosity
- Demonstrate constant curiosity about our changing world
Curiosity is the foundation for research. The discovery of new knowledge is the result of asking a series of questions about the world around us and then designing a series of experiments whose goal is to gain insight into topic and ultimately answer some of the questions. Undergraduates need to be exposed to research and the research method. Good research is just the beginning and often leads to additional topics or questions to investigate.
Connections
- Integrate information from many sources to gain insight
As one approaches any question/topic, the researcher draws on all available resources to make the best decisions, especially when designing the experiments. Information can be in the form of journal or conference articles as well as the experience of the researchers and lab staff. Undergraduates must learn to take what they learn and apply it to research and to life.
- Assess and manage risk
In the design of an experiment, it is important to determine the data needed and the extent of data needed. This sets the scope of the experiment. Time is valuable so the number of experiments and having contingency plans for when things do not go according to plan are both important.
Creating Value
- Identify unexpected opportunities to create extraordinary value
Without a doubt, the end result of all research should have an application that could lead to commercialization. Being able to assess data and draw appropriate conclusions is absolutely necessary for success.
- Persist through and learn from failure
Often, especially in experimental research, things do not go as planned. It is then that the researcher must regroup and determine the next steps to continue on the path to finding solutions to the questions. Even with a failure there is much to learn.
Design
- Determine Design Requirements
- Develop New Technologies
- Analyze Solutions
Opportunity
- Identify Opportunity
- Evaluate Tech Feasibility, Customer Value, Societal Benefits & Economic Viability
Impact
- Develop Partnerships & Build Team
- Validate Market Interest
- Protect Intellectual Property
Categories & Tags
- Classroom & Courses
- Comprehensive
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Clayton Thompson, Baylor Director of Brand Development, Jon Davis, Baylor Senior Video Producer, and Baylor University for help with the filming and production of the videos supporting this project.
Folders
Description
Included is a short 1 minute 56 second video to be used in class or small group setting. Also included is a suggested Instructor Guide on how to conduct the module with appropriate questions. In all, this module should be no more than 15 - 20 minutes. It is targeted to expose undergraduate students to the benefits of research and to stimulate their interest. Students involved in the undergraduate research describe the benefits of their experiences in the video.
| Title | Type | Ext | Date | Size | Download All | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://baylor.box.com/s/rk80afvt8q4k7fz4cmo2rutegr7gguyx | Video | 8/28/2021 | - | |||
| Instructor Guide - Undergraduates in Research V1.pdf | Activity / Handout | 8/28/2021 | 63.2 KB | 37 |