Assessing the Value of the Undergraduate Research Experience
 
Linda Rueckert, Northeastern Illinois University
Kathleen N. Morgan, Wheaton College
Recorder, David G. Elmes
87 Attendees

The reasons for assessing the research experience were discussed, including: (1) to see whether undergraduate research does anything; (2) to improve student retention; (3) to include as a part of a tenure file; and (4) to satisfy a requirement of accreditation.
 
The stakeholders of assessing undergraduate research were identified. External stakeholders include: accrediting agencies and funding agencies. Internal stakeholders include students, professors, departments (programs), administrators, and institutional donors.
 
Numerous outcomes for students were enumerated. These included the positive effects associated with: problem solving, communication skills, satisfaction with the college experience, cooperativeness, confidence, knowledge within a discipline and across them, laboratory skills, employability, graduate school success, personal relationships, independence, ethical practice, and dissemination.
 
The moderators discussed some of their own work showing how undergraduate research enhanced performance on capstone course activities and helped in future endeavors. The moderators also provided a packet of materials that contained sample assessment instruments and bibliographic information.