A Multisemester, Curriculum-Embedded Undergraduate Research Experience (MS-CURE) in the Geosciences: Contextual Factors Influencing Student Motivation for Pursuing Research

Abstract

This study undertakes an unusual approach to the course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) by engaging students in an ongoing research project that is embedded across two years of required coursework, including four geology courses and a capstone summer field experience. The authors describe the curriculum, note the importance of scaffolding and feedback, and assess out-comes in a rural population of students from an economically depressed area relative to a non-CURE comparison group using a mixed-methods approach. The results show the multisemester CURE students preferred fieldwork, routine data collection, and other hands-on skills consistent with a broad interest in college as workforce preparation. The authors highlight the importance of contextual factors as a motivation for pursuing research, including the nature of the academic discipline and student demographics.