SMART CUREs: a Professional Development Program for Advancing Teaching Assistant Preparedness To Facilitate...

Area of Science:

• STEM Education
• Undergraduate Research

Background:

• Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are crucial for engaging students in authentic scientific practices.
• Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) increasingly facilitate CUREs but often lack adequate pedagogical training.
• A gap exists in professional development opportunities for GTAs leading CUREs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a professional development intervention for GTAs facilitating CUREs.
• To enhance GTAs' understanding of CURE components and mentoring strategies.
• To improve GTAs' confidence and application of pedagogical techniques in CUREs.

Main Methods:

• A semester-long intervention was implemented for 7 GTAs leading CUREs.
• Intervention activities included interactive discussions, reflective journaling, and practical exercises.
• Data were collected through post-intervention surveys and focus group interviews.

Main Results:

• Participants showed improved understanding of CURE dimensions and mentoring strategies.
• GTAs reported increased confidence in applying pedagogical techniques.
• A strong sense of community facilitated idea sharing and problem-solving.

Conclusions:

• The intervention effectively supported GTAs in leading CUREs.
• Professional development is vital for GTAs to successfully implement CUREs.
• Building a community of practice enhances GTA effectiveness and confidence.