6th Annual Big 12 Teaching and Learning Conference
Individual Session Descriptions
The following schedule will be updated until the start of the conference. Unless otherwise indicated, all events will take place in the Texas Union.
Friday, June 14, 3:15-4:15pm: Session 22 (Eastwoods Room)
"We've Got the CURE to Improve STEM Outcomes: the Freshman Research Initiative and High School Research Initiative Models"
Kara Rogers and Gwendolyn Stovall (University of Texas at Austin)
The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) is one of the largest CUREs (course-based undergraduate research experience) in the nation. FRI integrates large numbers of lower-division undergraduate students (1000+ in 2019) in original research activities as an alternative to entry-level science laboratory courses. Students participate in a three semester sequence and receive credit towards their degree plans. Students choose from over 30 research "streams" in all fields of natural sciences including biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics and astronomy. Ongoing evaluation of this program indicates that participation in FRI significantly improves student outcomes including graduation rates and persistence in STEM careers, as well as increased future earning potential (Walcott et al. 2018). In addition to its work with UT Austin students, the FRI program includes partnerships with area secondary schools through the High School Research Initiative (HRI). In the HRI, high school students engage in open inquiry as well as university-partnered research experiences on their high school campuses while receiving dual-enrollment credit for their efforts.
Dr. Kara Rogers, Director of Freshman Research and Dr. Gwendolyn Stovall, Director of High School Research will present an overview of the FRI and HRI programs and discuss challenges and opportunities for expanding experiential learning. They will provide concrete examples of specific aspects of FRI and HRI that improve outcomes and will highlight the process of building, expanding, and maintaining these programs including a discussion of funding models.