Arkansas Summer Research Institute: The Evolution of an Engaging Online Training Program in Data Analytics and Research Targeting Underrepresented Students in STEM
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| Title: | Arkansas Summer Research Institute: The Evolution of an Engaging Online Training Program in Data Analytics and Research Targeting Underrepresented Students in STEM |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Whitney M. Holden, Patrycja A. Krakowiak, K. Maja Krakowiak, Jennifer Fowler (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Outreach. 2024 7(2). |
| Availability: | Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) |
| Contract Number: | EPS1003970 1457888 1946391 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Summer Programs, STEM Education, Electronic Learning, Disproportionate Representation, Minority Group Students, Student Research, Research Skills, Skill Development, Coaching (Performance), Mentors, Student Attitudes, High School Students, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, College Faculty |
| Geographic Terms: | Arkansas |
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
| Abstract: | Shortage of highly-skilled STEM workers, lack of critical technical skills, and persistence of underrepresentation are key problems for our nation's future. The Arkansas Summer Research Institute (ASRI) incorporates novel approaches to broaden participation in STEM, research, and data analytics, especially among URM students (over 50% of ASRI participants). The ASRI has evolved from in-person to a virtual model that includes innovations in organization, engagement technologies, personalization, gamification, mentoring, and networking. Students conduct independent research projects and present their findings. Student confidence in coding, research, statistics, and visualization skills improved significantly (p<0.001) during this two-week summer program. Furthermore, the use of continuous communication, ongoing help, extremely low student-to-mentor ratios, and one-on-one coaching led to excellent overall satisfaction scores on a 5-point scale, which were surprisingly higher in a virtual environment (N = 148, M = 4.73, SD = 0.53) than an in-person one (N = 133, M = 4.11, SD = 0.87, p < 0.001). The ASRI has trained over 300 students and involved over 130 STEM professors and professionals from across Arkansas in the pursuit of equitable and productive training and can serve as a model for other groups seeking to develop similar programs in the future. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1415504 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Shortage of highly-skilled STEM workers, lack of critical technical skills, and persistence of underrepresentation are key problems for our nation's future. The Arkansas Summer Research Institute (ASRI) incorporates novel approaches to broaden participation in STEM, research, and data analytics, especially among URM students (over 50% of ASRI participants). The ASRI has evolved from in-person to a virtual model that includes innovations in organization, engagement technologies, personalization, gamification, mentoring, and networking. Students conduct independent research projects and present their findings. Student confidence in coding, research, statistics, and visualization skills improved significantly (p<0.001) during this two-week summer program. Furthermore, the use of continuous communication, ongoing help, extremely low student-to-mentor ratios, and one-on-one coaching led to excellent overall satisfaction scores on a 5-point scale, which were surprisingly higher in a virtual environment (N = 148, M = 4.73, SD = 0.53) than an in-person one (N = 133, M = 4.11, SD = 0.87, p < 0.001). The ASRI has trained over 300 students and involved over 130 STEM professors and professionals from across Arkansas in the pursuit of equitable and productive training and can serve as a model for other groups seeking to develop similar programs in the future. |
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| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
