Herein, we describe results on student experiences in a pre-college workshop-based undergraduate research experience that combines principles of CUREs and summer workshops. This workshop seeks to improve student research and presentation skills through use of meaningful learning at the intersection of the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.  In the workshop studied for this presentation, students did work around the inhibition of salivary α-amylase using various foods as inhibitors in an at-home activity and using computer visualization of enzyme-substrate complexes.  Students then participated in a semi-structured interview in which they were able to discuss their affective experiences in this environment.  They also described their changing view of nature of science.  Interviews were conducted with 6 students enrolled in the program. <br/>       Students described their change in understanding of the research topic, the social experiences of working in small groups in this environment, their future in STEM, creation of a cohesive poster presentation, and the relation of the research to their personal lives.  Students also compared what they were able to do as incoming undergraduates with how scientists do science in their everyday careers.  Findings include that all students expressed a desire to remain in STEM and some expanded their original STEM ambitions, voicing largely positive feelings towards the workshop, and describing greater motivation to pursue research if it related to their future career plans or personal lives.  The results of this work are presented as a developmental outcome space with the degree of meaningful learning differentiating various categories.  The implications of this research include: helping to identify characteristics that students find most beneficial in pre-college workshops; encouraging increased communication when working with peers to allow for improved group dynamics; allowing students to develop skills that will be useful to them in their future careers or that relate to their personal lives in order for students to experience meaningful learning in this environment.

UIC STEM Initiative CoLab Program: An exploratory phenomenographic study

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.