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Article
Perspectives on Undergraduate Research Mentorship: A Comparative Analysis Between Online and Traditional Faculty
Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration
  • Emily K. Faulconer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Zachary Dixon, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • John Griffith, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Laura Faulconer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Submitting Campus
Worldwide
Department
STEM Education
Document Type
Article
Publication/Presentation Date
7-1-2020
Abstract/Description

With an increase in distance faculty, it is important to understand how faculty perceptions of undergraduate research mentorship differ between distance and traditional faculty. Perceptions were examined in a medium sized, not-for-profit university with both residential and distance faculty. Residential faculty were more likely to mentor or were very interested in undergraduate research, but overall interest in mentorship was similar across campuses. Faculty status or career experience was not correlated to interest or engagement in research mentorship. Traditional faculty were more likely to report time commitment as a significant barrier than distance faculty. Other barriers and benefits were aligned between campuses, with top benefits, barriers, and motivators being student-focused as opposed to faculty or institution-focused. The majority of faculty surveyed hold undergraduate research as an integral component of higher education. Recommendations for future include the exploration of online student motivation and preparedness to engage in research as well as the mindset (fixed versus growth) of faculty regarding student motivation and preparedness.

Publisher
University of West Georgia
Citation Information
Emily K. Faulconer, Zachary Dixon, John Griffith and Laura Faulconer. "Perspectives on Undergraduate Research Mentorship: A Comparative Analysis Between Online and Traditional Faculty" Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration Vol. 23 Iss. 2 (2020) p. 1 - 26
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_griffith/79/