Developing CURE's

Academic Enrichment

Bringing research into the classroom: Practical steps for developing course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs)

The purpose of this endorsement is to guide instructors through the development of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience. The main goals of the endorsement are to (1) introduce instructors to bringing research into the classroom, (2) share best practices from the pedagogical research literature, and (3) help instructors design the structure of their research course including learning goals, course schedule, tutorials, assignments, grading policies, and rubrics. Upon compltion of the endorsement, participants will have a complete syllabus for their class in addition to many elements of the course content itself. Although asynchronous and fully online, the program is strongly interactive. Indeed, throughout the program, participants will be asked to complete a number of activities.

Learning Outcomes
  • Describe the concepts and structures of CUREs 
  • Convey many benefits of CUREs to both students and instructors 
  • Apply a backward design approach to design learning outcomes, assessments, and learning activities related to undergraduate research 
  • Scaffold the research process for undergraduate students through writing and reflection 
  • Develop a transparent and equitable mode of grading for research assignments 
  • Support students, teaching assistants, and staff through culturally relevant mentoring 
  • Implement effective and inclusive group work to promote learning 
  • Evaluate appropriately their own teaching and student learning using diverse tools
Participation Requirements

To complete the program requirements, participants will need to complete the following sections of the workshop via a Carmen course: Bookend 1: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for everyone Module 1: You can do it: CUREs made easier with backward-design Module 2: Group work that works Module 3: Inclusive assessments and grading that save time Module 4: Research one step at a time Module 5: More than a teacher, a mentor Module 6: Assessing your CURE Bookend 2: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for you.  In addition, participants will complete elements of the course design process via a workbook that will be uploaded to Carmen.

 

VERIFICATION OF PARTICIPATION

The final teaching endorsement application will require you to upload a signed completion of criteria document obtained from the Office of Academic Enrichment.

Required Hours
15
Timeline for Completion
1-2 semesters

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Program Elements

Title Delivery Method Hours Description
Module 1: You can do it: CUREs made easier with backward design
 Online Course 2.0
  • Consider critical components of a successful CURE in the design of your course
  • Articulate expected learning outcomes for your course.
  • Identify research goals for your CURE.
  • Determine the structure of your course, including deliverables.
  • Integrate elements of successful CUREs in your course.
Module 2: Group work that works
 Online Course 2.0
  • Decide on an appropriate deliverable for the CURE.
  • Determine individual and group responsibilities in the CURE work.
  • Design a group work experience that is inclusive and effective Implement group contracts and structured group meetings.
Module 3: Inclusive assessments and grading that save time
 Online Course 3.0
  • Integrate transparency in your assignments.
  • Adopt an inclusive, pedagogically sound, and practical mode of grading.
  • Align your learning goals, assessments, and course activities.
  • Develop grading rubrics for your course.
  • Incorporate peer grading in your course.
Module 4: Research one step at a time
 Online Course 3.0
  • Scaffold the research process in your course.
  • Engage students in reading the primary literature.
  • Develop relevant research tutorials and activities.
  • Use writing-to-learn activities to promote learning.
  • Empower students to reflect upon their work to improve it.
Module 5: More than a teacher, a mentor
 Online Course 1.0
  • Foster a supportive learning community.
  • Develop a support structure for students, teaching assistants, and staff.
  • Reconsider your role in the classroom.
Module 6: Assessing your CURE
 Online Course 1.0
  • Select an appropriate student evaluation of learning.
  • Decide on evaluation tools for the course as a whole.
  • Devise a plan for the assessment of the research outcomes.
Bookend 2: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for you
 Online Course 1.0
  • Develop a plan of action for the implementation of your CURE.
  • Find solutions to many obstacles to implementing CURES.
  • Contribute to the CURE learning community.