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Leadership steps. Know what you’re doing. Understand the relevant research ( UTeach /FRI), seek informed guidance (Master teachers— UTeach ) Consult/involve faculty leaders ( UTeach ) or support a faculty initiative (FRI) Involve students as partners
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Leadership steps Know what you’re doing • Understand the relevant research (UTeach/FRI), seek informed guidance (Master teachers—UTeach) • Consult/involve faculty leaders (UTeach) or support a faculty initiative (FRI) • Involve students as partners • Involve the higher administration as soon as possible—get buy in or at least a blessing. • Do a pilot program. Don’t wait until everything is perfect • Gather data at every step; where possible have a valid comparison group, be ready to change and improve as you learn • Involve external supporters as part of the team • Involve external experts, legislators, leaders to establish credibility Share the Dream, Create a team Get Started!! Know what you’ve done Share what you’ve done Share credit !!! Seek support to maintain, expand and replicate great results
Uteach Recognition/replication • Uteach Task Force, UT College of Natural Sciences Foundation Advisory Coucil • National Academy recognition • Gathering Storm Report • NMSI formed • ExxonMobil, Dell gifts • Race to the Top funding • HHMI
EDUCATION THROUGH RESEARCH: RESEARCH THROUGH EDUCATION The Freshman Research Initiative: UT Austin
Course Sequence & Timeline Freshman Sophomore Fall Spring Summer* Fall Spring* Preparation Research Stream Transition • Research Methods • Intro to Research and Analysis • Stream Selection • Counts as Signature Course • Intro to Stream Lab Techniques • Begin Research • Counts as a Lower Division Lab Course • Summer Research Fellowship • Summer School Credit • Headstarton Fall Research • Stream Research • Credit for Independent Research • Expand & Complete Stream Project • Counts as Upper Division Lab Course • Research Publication/ Presentation • Mentor Research Methods • Join faculty labs, REUs, internships *Optional
Impact on Retention in Science and Math College of Natural Science (CNS) retention data for the FRI-07 cohort and associated comparison group, plotted over a five year period so that the average five-year retention data can be shown in comparison. 45% 45-85% increase in retention rates • Comparison groups are formed for each year from freshman not in FRI, who meet the same FRI requirements • The resulting comparison group is: • Statistically indistinguishable in terms of predicted first semester GPA • Demographically similar to FRI students • Comparable in number of risk students included 85%
FRI Graduates Pursuing PhD/MD-PhD 32% FRI students 9% comparison group FRI06 CNS non-honors graduates (N=57) CMP06 CNS non-honors graduates (N=146)
More Science Produced Annual Report 2010:Cumulative (2005-2010) list of refereed journal publications co-authored by FRI student participants
FRI Recognition/Replication • HHMI Funding • NSF Funding • FRI Task Force, UT College of Natural Sciences Foundation Advisory Council • BHEF recognition • PCAST recognition • HHMI replication
Leadership steps Know what you’re doing • Understand the relevant research (UTeach/FRI), seek informed guidance (Master teachers—UTeach) • Consult/involve faculty leaders (UTeach) or support a faculty initiative (FRI) • Involve students as partners • Involve the higher administration as soon as possible—get buy in or at least a blessing. • Do a pilot program. Don’t wait until everything is perfect • Gather data at every step; where possible have a valid comparison group, be ready to change and improve as you learn • Involve external supporters as part of the team • Involve external experts, legislators, leaders to establish credibility Share the Dream, Create a team Get Started!! Know what you’ve done Share what you’ve done Share credit !!! Seek support to maintain, expand and replicate great results
FRI in Summary • Connects undergraduates with authentic, advanced research projects from the beginning of their first semester on campus as part of their regular course of study • Provides a better learning experience for students that keeps them in STEM instead of driving them away!!!!! • Shows students the excitement of discovery, provides experience with cutting edge technology and prepares them for additional hands-on experience in labs or internships • Gives students access to faculty mentors and the community of science • Is scalable, both in numbers and disciplines, and makes a unique, authentic research experience available to a large portion of the freshman class. • Over 6 years > 2300 freshman have participated • Again in 2011-12, > 650 students enrolled in FRI, 33% of the incoming Natural Sciences class,>40% from underrepresented groups • 70 % still researching at the end of their 4th year • Merges the twin missions of a research university: Research and Education • Is especially effective with students not traditionally well-represented in science practice • Retains and helps our students succeed in a science, technology or mathematics degree planand ecruits them to scientific careers
Research Activities of FRI Students 67% Continuing in Research for 4 years