Engaging Students in Real Research Through Citizen Science

Over the last 60 years, schooling at universities has changed a lot, particularly how research influences teaching. In countries like the UK, a new style called research-led teaching has become popular, especially in schools that focus heavily on research. This means professors bring their research into their classes to make lessons more interesting. However, defining what research-led teaching really is can be tricky, as many terms are used interchangeably.

#What is Research-Led Teaching?

There are several ways teachers connect research with teaching:

1. Research-Led Teaching: Here, teachers share research findings from their specialty. Students mostly listen and take notes.

2. Research-Oriented Teaching: This approach puts more focus on how knowledge is gathered. Students learn through questioning and exploring ideas rather than just hearing information.

3. Research-Based Teaching: This one gets students involved in hands-on activities aimed at learning objectives.

4. Research-Informed Teaching: This combines the above approaches, encouraging engagement between teachers and students during the process.

It’s interesting that the first two methods often leave students feeling more like spectators rather than active learners. Some students even feel that if professors prioritize their research over teaching, it might hurt their own learning experience. But when teaching is based on inquiry-based activities, students feel more like active participants in their education.

#How to Keep Students Engaged

The challenge is figuring out how to get students excited about research. One effective model is Citizen Science, where the public gets involved in research projects. This idea of involving people in Data Collection isn't new. For example, there’s a long-standing project where volunteers track bird sightings.

Citizen science has become popular in recent decades, especially with reliable ways to collect data. This approach is particularly useful in science disciplines where research often requires data from various sources across the globe. By involving the public, researchers can gather information that they wouldn’t be able to collect alone.

#Benefits and Drawbacks of Citizen Science

While citizen science has its perks, such as high data collection capabilities, it has faced some criticism. For instance, concerns about how participants might be treated have come up. Sometimes, volunteers feel like they are just used as data collectors without being part of the bigger picture. In a classroom setting, many of these issues do not apply since students are already trained and have specific knowledge related to the research.

#A Classroom Example

Let’s look at a case study that puts this into action, focusing on dinosaurs-yes, those big lizards from the past! In a year 1 undergraduate course about geology and paleontology, students worked on a project related to the size of dinosaur eyes.

The course lasted 11 weeks, with lectures and practicals to teach students the basics of research methods such as data collection and analysis. Students gathered information on the eye socket sizes of different dinosaurs, looking to understand their visual capabilities better.

#How Data Was Collected

Each student was given a specific group of dinosaur species to study. They measured eye socket sizes and noted details like which time period the dinosaurs lived in and what they ate. All the students entered their findings into a shared spreadsheet, which then formed the basis for a publication where all students received co-authorship-a fantastic resume booster!

#Learning Goals

The goal of this hands-on learning experience was to really get students involved. They had to:

• Collect data in a real-world scenario.
• Use proper statistical tests.
• Present what they found clearly.
• Work independently and with others.
• Engage deeply with the subject material.

To get feedback on how students felt about this activity, an anonymous online questionnaire was sent out. Students were asked whether being involved in real research made the course more appealing and if it improved their understanding of scientific methods.

#Student Feedback

After the 11-week course, 16 out of 22 students filled out the survey. Here’s what the results showed:

• All students agreed that participating in real research made the course more interesting.
• The majority felt that collecting data made them more engaged in their learning.
• Most students thought the activity helped them grasp scientific concepts better.
• Students were mixed on whether the project aligned with their future career goals but were enthusiastic about repeating the activity each year.

#Benefits of the Approach

This citizen science-style teaching has several clear advantages. Students who participated said it helped deepen their understanding and made the course more engaging. When learning involves real-world tasks, students tend to grasp concepts better. But it's not just about collecting data; teachers need to explain the science behind it.

This approach also accommodates different learning styles, letting students work solo or with peers. Plus, the skills gained during this project could help students later on, especially if they want to pursue further studies or careers in science.

#Challenges

While many students found the experience helpful, some were unsure how it would help them in their careers. This uncertainty might come from the fact that not all students want to follow an academic path. The course catered more to students heading towards research, but these skills can apply to many careers in Earth Sciences.

The data collection exercise ending with a publication is a great bonus. With fewer job opportunities after graduation, having a published paper can make a CV stand out.

#Teaching Perspective

From a teaching view, this citizen science method also has benefits similar to traditional projects. Data can be gathered more quickly, and students already have some level of expertise. Training can be more tailored, ensuring accuracy. Plus, having multiple students work alongside the instructor can spark fresh ideas and improve the original project.

#Areas to Watch Out For

However, there are things to keep in mind. Just like with regular citizen science projects, there’s the risk of students feeling like they are being used as cheap labor. In larger citizen science projects, not everyone can be included as a co-author, but in a classroom, it’s more manageable to offer that recognition to every student involved.

#Ensuring Good Data Quality

Making sure the data collected is accurate is critical. Students often need clear instructions and training before starting. Regular check-ins can help catch any issues early on, keeping the quality of data high.

#Conclusion

The citizen science teaching style presented here is a fun and effective way to engage students in real research. It allows them to learn and apply their skills in a way that benefits both their education and broader science projects. By making students active participants, we can change the traditional picture of teaching and learning in higher education, leading to a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

It’s like turning students from passive sponges into active explorers, which is way more fun for all parties involved! So, who’s ready to measure some dinosaur eye sockets?