College instructors from across the west join APPLE R Net
Instructors from from across the west are collaborating to build a network of undergraduate ecologists!
When was the last time you were able to informally chat with your peers about teaching methods? When did you last “dream big” about what you could do if you could just get more people out in the field collecting data? Think back to the last time you were able to fully immerse yourself in learning new methods or research techniques… For many college instructors, it was likely prior to 2020 and the rapid shift to online education. Luckily for some, that is now changing.
In July, Apple R Net instructors from across Colorado and New Mexico met at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus for a week of professional development activities focused on integrating course based undergraduate research (CURE) modules into biology courses. The goal of the modules is to engage students in authentic research experiences that help researchers and orchardists in the West understand more about apple cultivation historically in our era of climate change. A further goal of Apple R Net is to build faculty teaching and learning communities among instructors across the region. The first day of the professional development focused on learning about each other and the pedagogical underpinnings of CUREs with the rest of the week focused on field methods and brainstorming how to include the new modules into their existing classes. Instructors also spent time thinking deeply about who their students are and how CUREs could support their learning goals and development as emerging scientists. By the end of the week, instructors were working out with one another the possibilities of getting their students together at the end of the semester to share research findings!
A reflection from Deidre Jaeger - APPLE R Net facilitator:
As a facilitator of this workshop, it was so inspiring to bring together the experience and perspectives of instructors from seven institutions in the Rocky Mountain region. From the first day of our workshop, I felt such gratitude for the opportunity to discuss pedagogy, science, equity, and inclusivity with this group of thoughtful, compassionate, and creative group of instructors. I know our APPLE R Net core team shared this sentiment : ) The in-person format allowed us to respond to questions and ask for feedback as we went, which fostered a sense of community as we journeyed through the sessions together. Our four day in-person workshop consisted of an introduction to CUREs and the Apple R Net Research goals (day 1), demonstration and practice with the data collection methods for core measures (day 2) and optional measures (day 3), and evaluation of specific ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity when implementing a CURE (day 4).
The introduction to CUREs focused on defining CUREs and place-based research, the rationale for incorporating these experiences into undergraduate education, and consideration of the learning objectives the APPLE R Net research may meet for a class. The instructors had a mix of background knowledge on what a CURE was and how it differed from other research endeavors such as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Lisa and Maggie facilitated discussions of the potential benefits of APPLE R Net CUREs for students, instructors, and departments. Instructors were able to look at the BioSkill and BioCore learning objectives of APPLE R Net and consider which ones aligned with the learning objectives of their course. They also were able to get input from the group about how to communicate with their departments about the institutional benefits of implementing CUREs in their classes.
The Core measures consist of three protocols relating to apple trees, plants, and soils designed to build consistency in data collection across the network of partner sites. Terry and I began with a discussion of ecosystem services associated with apple trees and the importance of ecological observation. We introduced the Apple Tree, Understory, and Soil protocols in the classroom, demonstrated them in a grove of apple trees on campus, and considered any sites-specific modifications. The instructors absorbed the material in different ways: some jumped right in to doing the protocols top to bottom as a student would while others tested just a few aspects that they were unfamiliar with. As they tested equipment, it was exciting to see enthusiasm build as they thought about how to teach these methods to their students.
The optional measures consisted of three additional protocols relating to insects, birds, and wildlife. These measures can be implemented or adapted based on the interest of the instructor and classes they teach. Terry and I demonstrated these measures in the field with time for instructors to practice with the equipment. Despite Terry and I indicating it is fine to begin with only Core measures in the first year, to our surprise nearly all the instructors were interested in implementing one or more optional measure! I think we created enough flexibility in these protocols for the instructors to approach them with an experimental mindset. This was so validating to see, since we had wanted to be cautious to request incorporation of too many new things in one year. We are excited to get feedback on how these measures work out in the first year as they’re bound to be many creative improvements coming from this team!
Finally, we considered what potential barriers may exist for creating an inclusive, equitable environment for students in the context of participating in a CURE. The two main elements of this part of the workshop were creating opportunity atlas and trauma-informed pedagogy. Paige and Laura did an excellent job setting up common vocabulary and definitions around these activities, and the instructors really had capacity to address potential barriers for the student populations at their institutions and create a set of practices to help alleviate these barriers. This part of the workshop felt particularly advantageous to have discussions where some instructors had identified similar potential barriers. Together, they offered diverse perspectives on how to alleviate some of these barriers to promote a more equitable, inclusive environment for students.
The REACH Lab and APPLE R Net team is excited to work with our fabulous group of new APPLE R Net partners in the coming year to implement the CURE modules and evaluate student learning. Thank you to Aurea Cortes-Palomec, Ross McCauley, Emily Holt, Jennifer Lee, Paul Le, Kelly Worden, and John Reese for joining our team!
Post by Amy Dunbar-Wallis and Deidre Jaeger