Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning

Developing CUREs

Academic Enrichment

Overview

Bringing research into the classroom: Practical steps for developing course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs)

The purpose of this endorsement is to guide instructors through the development of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience. The main goals of the endorsement are to (1) introduce instructors to bringing research into the classroom, (2) share best practices from the pedagogical research literature, and (3) help instructors design the structure of their research course including learning goals, course schedule, tutorials, assignments, grading policies, and rubrics. Upon completion of the endorsement, participants will have a complete syllabus for their class in addition to many elements of the course content itself. Although asynchronous and fully online, the program is strongly interactive. Indeed, throughout the program, participants will be asked to complete a number of activities. 

 

Get Started

Learn more about Endorsement requirements and offerings.

Apply for Endorsement

Complete your required documentation.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the concepts and structures of CUREs 
  • Convey many benefits of CUREs to both students and instructors 
  • Apply a backward design approach to design learning outcomes, assessments, and learning activities related to undergraduate research 
  • Scaffold the research process for undergraduate students through writing and reflection 
  • Develop a transparent and equitable mode of grading for research assignments 
  • Support students, teaching assistants, and staff through culturally relevant mentoring 
  • Implement effective and inclusive group work to promote learning 
  • Evaluate appropriately their own teaching and student learning using diverse tools

Participation Requirements

To fulfill the program requirements, participants will need to complete the following sections of the workshop via a Carmen course: 
  • Bookend 1: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for everyone 
  • Module 1: You can do it: CUREs made easier with backward-design 
  • Module 2: Group work that works 
  • Module 3: Inclusive assessments and grading that save time 
  • Module 4: Research one step at a time 
  • Module 5: More than a teacher, a mentor 
  • Module 6: Assessing your CURE 
  • Bookend 2: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for you.  
In addition, participants will complete elements of the course design process via a workbook that will be uploaded to Carmen.
 

Verification

The final teaching endorsement application will require you to upload a signed completion of criteria document obtained from the Office of Academic Enrichment.

 

Program Elements

Required Hours: 15.

Timeline: 1-2 semesters

TITLEDELIVERY METHODHOURSDESCRIPTION
Module 1: You can do it: CUREs made easier with backward design
Online Course2.0
  • Consider critical components of a successful CURE in the design of your course
  • Articulate expected learning outcomes for your course.
  • Identify research goals for your CURE.
  • Determine the structure of your course, including deliverables.
  • Integrate elements of successful CUREs in your course.
Module 2: Group work that works
Online Course2.0
  • Decide on an appropriate deliverable for the CURE.
  • Determine individual and group responsibilities in the CURE work.
  • Design a group work experience that is inclusive and effective Implement group contracts and structured group meetings.
Module 3: Inclusive assessments and grading that save time
Online Course3.0
  • Integrate transparency in your assignments.
  • Adopt an inclusive, pedagogically sound, and practical mode of grading.
  • Align your learning goals, assessments, and course activities.
  • Develop grading rubrics for your course.
  • Incorporate peer grading in your course.
Module 4: Research one step at a time
Online Course3.0
  • Scaffold the research process in your course.
  • Engage students in reading the primary literature.
  • Develop relevant research tutorials and activities.
  • Use writing-to-learn activities to promote learning.
  • Empower students to reflect upon their work to improve it.
Module 5: More than a teacher, a mentor
Online Course1.0
  • Foster a supportive learning community.
  • Develop a support structure for students, teaching assistants, and staff.
  • Reconsider your role in the classroom.
Module 6: Assessing your CURE
Online Course1.0
  • Select an appropriate student evaluation of learning.
  • Decide on evaluation tools for the course as a whole.
  • Devise a plan for the assessment of the research outcomes.
Bookend 2: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences for you
Online Course1.0
  • Develop a plan of action for the implementation of your CURE.
  • Find solutions to many obstacles to implementing CURES.
  • Contribute to the CURE learning community.

 

Get Started

Learn more about Endorsement requirements and offerings.

Apply for Endorsement

Complete your required documentation.