Essay On Benefits Of Undergraduate Research

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Benefits of undergraduate research

One of the aims of this chapter is to enhance the undergraduates to participate in researches during their undergraduate studies. Bunnett argued that participating in undergraduate research not only benefits students who join research career, but all the participants will be benefited from it(1).In this section, we will emphasize on the outcomes and the benefits of doing researches during undergraduate level by illustrating on the value of the research experience as described by students.
To demonstrate the specific benefits of doing a research during undergraduate levels, SEYMOUR, E et al did a study that had been going on for two summers among students who participated in an undergraduate research program to see what impacts did the program make, where the program main goals were to improve the students’ scientific knowledge, evolve their scientific reasoning, increase their interest in science, and promote the understanding of science nature (2). The study’s responses about the program benefits were categorized into seven main categories (table 1).
Categories Observations and examples
Personal/professional gains Increase confidence, establishing a collegial relationship with faculty and with students.
Thinking and working like scientists Gaining knowledge and applying it, and learning the research mechanism.
Skills gaining Improving in communication skills, lab techniques, computer skills, and reading skills.
Clarification, confirmation, and refinement of career/education paths Guide the students to complete their studies, and help them in determining their carrier.
Enhanced career/graduate school preparation Improving resume, exchanging ideas, and gaining of a great preparation for the up...

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...ttitude for learning and working has changed. These observations included getting used to work independently without the supervision of a mentor, and increased their willingness to participate or to contribute in projects. It has been observed an increase in interest of the research field, also.

7- Other skills gains:
It has been pointed out that the writing skills including comprehending an analyzing had amazingly improved during the program due to the extensive reading about the topics they are working on. Participating in undergraduate research will enrich the students’ argument skills, and because most of the times the students will spend their time in labs, their using of lab instruments will be improved as well as their computer skills.

Bunnett, J. (1984). The education of butchers and bakers and policy makers. Journal of Chemical Education, 61(6), 509–510.

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