A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Improves Outcomes in Mentored Research

Area of Science:

• Undergraduate STEM education
• Research training methodologies

Background:

• Authentic research training is crucial for undergraduates, typically via mentored research (MR) or course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs).
• CURE implementation is uncommon in Asian higher education, where MR is often a graduation requirement, presenting unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize learning challenges in mentored research (MR) at a Chinese university.
• To design and evaluate an intensive 6-week CURE as a preparatory program for MR, addressing identified challenges.

Main Methods:

• Conducted mentor interviews and mentee focus groups to identify MR challenges.
• Implemented a site-specific CURE with seven unique features as an MR preparatory program.
• Collected post-CURE data through surveys, focus groups, and interviews to assess immediate and downstream outcomes.

Main Results:

• CURE enrollment significantly improved subsequent MR outcomes, with nearly 90% of enrollees starting MR in their second year.
• Enrollees reported increased confidence in research skills and more frequent experiences in multiple labs compared to non-enrollees.
• The CURE program demonstrated a positive impact on student readiness and success in mentored research.

Conclusions:

• The intensive CURE program effectively prepared students for mentored research, mitigating identified learning challenges.
• The study offers a comprehensive model for designing CUREs to enhance undergraduate research readiness and outcomes.
• This approach can be adapted for similar research enhancement goals in diverse educational contexts.