Transformative Experiences for Undergraduates as Paradigm Shifters in STEM: Learning From the Success of ENGagED Research Experience for Undergraduates (Poster 21)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The current study aims to enhance existing literature by exploring undergraduate students' narratives to gain deeper insights into the impact of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. As a burgeoning field, Engineering Education is at the forefront of our study, reporting data from the first cohort of the nation’s pioneering engineering education-focused REU. We employed a consistent set of questions to collect weekly reflection surveys, which were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings indicate that traditional REUs hold significant potential to integrate anti-racist principles through a variety of informal activities and learning events. However, this potential remains largely untapped as REUs are predominantly used to teach discipline-specific sciences.

Author

• Debalina Maitra, Kennesaw State University