Presentation
How Undergraduate Research Experiences Support More Central Participation in Physics
American Association of Physics Teachers
(2015)
Abstract
Undergraduate research has been recognized as a significant way to facilitate undergraduate students’ more central participation in physics. In this talk, I will present a potential mechanism by which research experiences may impact undergraduate participation: changes in their beliefs about the nature of science coupled to changes in a sense of ability to contribute to authentic research. Students in the study were part of a research seminar at the University of Maryland in which they worked with faculty and graduate student research mentors on research projects. Class time was dedicated to developing research skills and supporting students through emotional hurdles associated with research. In videotaped interviews, we asked students to describe their experiences in research. Students developed nuanced views about how the research process works. They also perceive shifts in their sense of access to research, feeling like their contributions as novices mattered.
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2015
Location
College Park, Maryland
Citation Information
Gina M. Quan. "How Undergraduate Research Experiences Support More Central Participation in Physics" American Association of Physics Teachers (2015) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gina-quan/33/