A Call to Develop Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Nonmajors Courses

Area of Science:

• Science Education
• Undergraduate Research

Background:

• Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are increasingly common for science majors.
• Limited research exists on the unique impact and optimal design of CUREs for non-science majors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in understanding CUREs for non-science majors.
• To define learning goals, research priorities, and best practices for nonmajors CUREs.
• To foster collaboration in disseminating best practices.

Main Methods:

• Convened a working group focused on nonmajors CUREs.
• Discussed laboratory-learning goals, research priorities, and collaboration strategies.
• Evaluated the current state of knowledge on best practices.

Main Results:

• Identified three key student outcomes: scientific literacy, proscience attitudes, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Highlighted the need for distinct approaches for nonmajors compared to science majors.
• Outlined future research priorities for nonmajors CUREs.

Conclusions:

• Nonmajors CUREs require tailored goals, learning objectives, and assessments.
• Further investigation is crucial to establish evidence-based best practices.
• Collaboration is essential for advancing the field of nonmajors CUREs.