Citizen Science in Postsecondary Education: Current Practices and Knowledge Gaps
Heather D Vance-Chalcraft1, Allen H Hurlbert2, Jennifer Nesbitt Styrsky3
1East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States.
Bioscience
|March 4, 2022
Summary
Citizen science in higher education engages students in authentic research, primarily in biology. While anecdotal evidence suggests learning benefits, more empirical research is needed to confirm its impact on student learning.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Biology Education
Background:
- Citizen science engages the public in scientific research.
- Its application and impact in postsecondary education remain underexplored.
- Existing use is primarily in informal learning environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization and effects of citizen science in postsecondary courses.
- To understand the motivations behind its implementation in higher education.
- To identify impacts on student learning and engagement.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- A survey was administered to gather data on current practices.
- Analysis focused on how and why citizen science is integrated into curricula.
Main Results:
- Citizen science is predominantly used in biological sciences across various institution types.
- Key drivers for adoption include enhancing student engagement and providing authentic research experiences.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests positive impacts on student learning, but empirical data is limited.
Conclusions:
- Citizen science is a growing pedagogical tool in higher education, particularly in life sciences.
- There is a significant need for rigorous empirical research to validate learning outcomes.
- Recommendations are provided for educators and project managers to optimize postsecondary integration.
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