 Best Practices for Facilitating a Successful Human Services Undergraduate Research Lab at a Practitioner-focused University

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-18
Author(s):  
Adrian Rodriguez ◽  
Alex Moore ◽  
Beatrice Ta ◽  
Kimberley Li
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Human Services ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Team Environment ◽  
Research Assistants

Researchers suggest that engaging in undergraduate level research greatly benefits students in various disciplines and increases their career opportunities. However, there is a severe gap in the literature regarding the needs of students in Human Services undergraduate research (UR) labs at practitioner-focused institutions. This phenomenological study examined the salient experiences of seven former research assistants in such a setting. Four emergent themes were uncovered: need insecurities, positive faculty-student connection, creating opportunity, and productive team environment. Considerations for Human Services educators and students are discussed.

scholarly journals UTILIZING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TO INFORM COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS: A SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S537-S538
Author(s):  
Amanda E Barnett ◽  
Sara Olinger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Home Visitor ◽  
Aging Societies ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Engaging undergraduate students with aging-focused community resources is critical for preparing students to work with older adults and make positive contributions to aging societies. During the fall, 2018 semester, undergraduate students in a human development course on middle and late adulthood partnered with a county aging and disability resource center (ADRC) in Wisconsin to evaluate and update several of their existing programs and resources using empirical research. Upon completion of this project, students synthesized course material to meet all course learning objectives such as: (1) critically analyze physical, psychological, and sociological processes of aging across categories of difference (e.g. cultural, ethnic, class); (2) evaluate social policies and their multigenerational implications for midlife and older adults; and (3) construct a personal position on aging that integrates theory, research, and policy to demonstrate a sensitive and competent approach to working with midlife and older adults. Students researched, wrote reports, and presented to ADRC staff on the impact of social isolation on older adults, best practices for home visitor and transportation programs serving older adults, cognitive competency tools and best practices for utilizing memory assessments, grief supports and groups for family caregivers, and best practices for supporting veterans as they age. The outcome of these projects are research-based recommendations for any ADRC to consider when developing and implementing related programs. All stakeholders (students, professor, and ADRC staff) were satisfied with the process and outcomes of the project. Strengths and challenges of carrying out such a collaborative project will be reviewed.

Mentorship of undergraduate research experiences: Best practices, learning goals, and an assessment rubric.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-224
Author(s):  
Guy A. Boysen ◽  
Manisha Sawhney ◽  
Karen Z. Naufel ◽  
Suzanne Wood ◽  
Kristin Flora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Undergraduate Research Experiences ◽  
Assessment Rubric

Revealing Moments of Mentoring International Undergraduate Research Assistants: Learning the Ropes

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-67
Author(s):  
Mary Gene Saudelli ◽  
Jan Marie Graham ◽  
Debra Sheppard-Lemoine ◽  
Ashley Cowan ◽  
Yousef Ibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Assistants

scholarly journals Lost and found: lessons from collaborative research with undergraduate students on the Lost Girls of Sudan

1970 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura DeLuca
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lost And Found ◽  
Anthropological Research ◽  
Faculty Supervision ◽  
Sudanese Refugees ◽  
Research Assistants

This article focuses on the challenges and rewards of working  with undergraduate research assistants. The anthropological research project involves interviews and participant observation with Sudanese refugees living  in the United States. Five undergraduates share their reflections as neophyte anthropologists. The audience for this article is primarily anthropologists and  others interested in involving students in field-based research. Undergraduate students embarking on research under faculty supervision may be interested as well.

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