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Conference proceeding
Do Independent Studies Help Students Learn Better?: A Case Study on Student Perception and Attitude
2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition (Portland, Oregon, USA, 06/23/2024–06/26/2024)
06/2024
Abstract
Independent study called “Undergraduate Research” at our university is a highly effective method to inspire students in scholarly work through research. A literature review underscores the manifold benefits of independent study/undergraduate research, including enhanced academic performance, increased motivation and confidence, heightened awareness of students’ limitations, and improved self-management skills. Notably, this approach allows teachers to tailor tasks to individual students, fostering social inclusion and mitigating feelings of alienation. Another inspiring factor for students is the flexibility afforded by not having to attend traditional for 3 hours per week in-class lecture to earn course credit. Over the years, the authors have implemented this course within the engineering disciplines of the authors, diligently collecting data on the student perceptions and attitudes towards independent study through a questionnaire survey via Qualtrics. The survey questions were strategically designed to explore the benefits of learning, the long-term retention of acquired knowledge, and the overall learning processes. Analysis of the data demonstrated a positive student perception and attitude towards a few crucial skills, such as teamwork and time management, technical writing and subject matter proficiency, Excel uses, data analytics, communications, and organizational timeline skills. Students expressed a preference for the hands-on aspect and freedom associated with the undergraduate research. Furthermore, students acknowledged the significant influence of undergraduate research on their academic careers, citing improved understanding of their chosen fields, and a heightened interest in pursuing graduate school.
Details
- Title
- Do Independent Studies Help Students Learn Better?
- Publication Details
- 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Conference
- 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition (Portland, Oregon, USA, 06/23/2024–06/26/2024)
- Publisher
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
- Copyright
- © 2024 American Society for Engineering Education.
- Identifiers
- 99381463720606600
- Academic Unit
- Civil Engineering and Construction Management; Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English