Course-Based Research Projects

Integrating your teaching and your research can be beneficial for both you and your students. Students experience the process of doing science, which is one of the most effective ways to engage students in learning science (AAAS, 1990; CUSE-NAP, 1997). At the same time, they can do some of the initial exploration of your potential research ideas. While there are many different ways to integrate research and teaching, course-based research projects provide a structured format and a manageable timeline for small projects.

Example: Surface Processes projects at the College of William and Mary

To hear about one example of how this can work, watch this video clip of Greg Hancock, from the College of William and Mary, describing his course-based research projects:

References

1. AAAS (1990). The Liberal Art of Science: Agenda for Action, pp. 121. Washington, DC.
2. Committee on Undergraduate Science Education (1997). Science Teaching Reconsidered: A Handbook. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.