Teaching undergraduate research: The one-room schoolhouse model

Undergraduate research in the biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology program at Drake University uses apprenticeship, cooperative-style learning, and peer mentoring in a cross-disciplinary and cross-community educational program. We call it the one-room schoolhouse approach to teaching undergraduate research. This approach is cost effective, aids learning, supports the development of science and transferable management skills, is productive, and supports diversity. It allows a small set of faculty to involve large numbers of students in research and maintain a productive scholarship program. It provides students with skills in scientific research and transferable skills that they apply to a wide set of careers.