Improving Critical Thinking "via" Authenticity: The CASPiE Research Experience in a Military Academy Chemistry Course

Improving Critical Thinking "via" Authenticity: The CASPiE Research Experience in a Military Academy Chemistry Course

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) can introduce many students to authentic research activities in a cost-effective manner. Past studies have shown that students who participated in CUREs report greater interest in chemistry, better data collection and analysis skills, and enhan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry education research and practice Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 55 - 63
Main Authors: Chase, A. M, Clancy, H. A, Lachance, R. P, Mathison, B. M, Chiu, M. M, Weaver, G. C
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Royal Society of Chemistry 01-01-2017
Subjects:
Armed Forces
Chemistry
Critical Thinking
Factor Analysis
Military Training
Program Effectiveness
Science Education
Science Instruction
Science Laboratories
Science Tests
Scientific Research
Scores
Statistical Analysis
Student Attitudes
Undergraduate Students
New York
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Summary:Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) can introduce many students to authentic research activities in a cost-effective manner. Past studies have shown that students who participated in CUREs report greater interest in chemistry, better data collection and analysis skills, and enhanced scientific reasoning compared to traditional laboratory activities. Though self-reports are informative, performance measures are needed to evaluate CURE effectiveness objectively. The present study examines whether a CURE implementation at the United States Military Academy (by the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education [CASPiE]) affects students' self-reported perceptions or critical thinking test scores. Students reported significant increases in their perceptions of learning through the laboratory, authentic scientific laboratory practices and interest in chemistry when compared to previous chemistry courses with traditional laboratory activities. Results also showed a significant increase in critical thinking scores, moderated by student perception of the authenticity of the laboratory activities.
ISSN:1756-1108
DOI:10.1039/c6rp00171h