gms | German Medical Science

Undergraduate research is considered a high impact practice that increases rates of student retention, engagement and graduation. However, limited data are available on effective program elements and associated student learning. The IUPUI Center for Research and Learning (CRL) directs various undergraduate research programs that are course independent. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to engage in research although the great majority are STEM and health science majors. A model to qualitatively and quantitatively assess student learning in all CRL programs was implemented in the fall of 2015. Program activities were aligned with IUPUI’s six Principles of Undergraduate Learning (PULs), which clearly define student learning outcomes. Achievement of these PULs has not been systematically assessed in undergraduate research despite the fact that five of these principles (communication, critical thinking, application of knowledge, intellectual depth, and ethics) align very well with the student research experience. While enrolled in a CRL program students have to submit structured written project reports, complete a Responsible Conduct of Research online module, write a reflective essay, and present their project as a poster at a campus-wide conference. A standard survey for both students and mentors is being used for quantitative student and program assessment. As of today we have surveyed 302 students and 105 mentors. Students ranged from freshmen to seniors with 58% reporting that they had engaged in research for the first time. Data collected as well as select excerpts from student essays will be presented to demonstrate student learning in undergraduate research.