|
photo: Psychology Department
Summer Researchers, |
Grinnell College Science DivisionResearch On Learning in Education
|
Grinnell College awarded $650,000 grant from National Science Foundation
GRINNELL, IA - Grinnell College has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to study research experiences by undergraduates.
The grant of $651,885 is for a three-year research project that is considered a pilot study to establish the nature and impact of effective undergraduate research experience on learning, attitude, and career choice. The research will involve students and faculty at Grinnell College; Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.; Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, Calif.; and Hope College, Holland, Mich.
The principal investigator for the research is David Lopatto, professor of psychology at Grinnell College. Jim Swartz, vice-president for academic affairs and dean of the college, will serve on a steering committee of the four colleges involved in the study to coordinate the research.
Grinnell College will subcontract with the University of Colorado at Boulder in order to take advantage of their specialized expertise.
"The grant permits a collaboration with Dr. Elaine Seymour, a noted science education researcher, that will enable us to examine the belief that experience with research helps undergraduate students learn about science and become involved with science as a career,: Lopatto said. "Surprisingly, there is a lack of hard information on the effects of the undergraduate research experience. Our findings will be applicable to diverse institutions and may generate national interest."
The research will clarify the nature of
authentic undergraduate research in science and mathematics and
the processes and conditions by which such experiences contribute
to learning gains (cognitive, behavior, affective, social, and
professional) over time.
Contact WebEditor
Last updated on March 22, 2002.
