Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
What Happens When Undergraduate Biology Students Meet with Professional Scientists to Discuss Research? An
Alexandra Machrone1, Mainlyng Duenas1, Amy Acosta1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199.
Abstract:
Engagement in scientific discourse is an essential part of becoming a scientist. In this exploratory study, we aim to examine the scientific discourse (and resulting benefits) between undergraduate biology students and professional scientists. We developed a novel method for engaging in scientific discourse, grounded in the theory of legitimate peripheral participation, where undergraduate biology students participate in communities of practice within their own departments. Students selected a piece of primary scientific literature (PSL) from a professional scientist in their department and, after spending time annotating the PSL, met with the professional scientist to engage in scientific discourse. We analyzed the time students spent speaking and characterized questions students ask professional scientists. In addition, student motivation for reading PSL and students' sense of belonging to their department shifted positively, suggesting that students are integrating into the scientific community of practice being formed between students and professional scientists. We discuss best practices for supporting effective scientific discourse between undergraduates and scientists.
More Related Videos
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
10:07Physiological Experimentation with the Crayfish Hindgut: A Student Laboratory Exercise
Published on: January 18, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Biodiversity and Human Values
Case Studies
Longitudinal Research
Robbers Cave
Psychology as a Science
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
Cross-Sectional Research