Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) broaden access to the high-impact practice of undergraduate research. Unfortunately, many faculty lack a clear roadmap for developing a CURE. To address this barrier, we present a series of modular activities, the CURE "Flexi-Framework", which guides faculty through the process of creating a CURE based on their own research. Within the framework, students progress through four phases of scientific research: (I) Obtaining, Evaluating, and Organizing Information; (II) Asking Questions and Planning Investigations; (III) Investigation, Data Analysis, and Iteration; and (IV) Justification and Communication through a written report and/or oral presentation. Each phase consists of assessable, workshop-style activities that can be adapted to different research topics while maintaining the CURE-defining elements of collaboration, discovery and relevance, and iteration. Over the past decade, the Flexi-Framework has been used to implement multiple upper-division CUREs across three institutions and several subdisciplines of chemistry. Assessment using the Classroom Undergraduate Research Experience Survey and the Laboratory Course Assessment Survey demonstrates student-reported gains and course design elements consistent with national CURE benchmarks. The CURE Flexi-Framework thus provides a validated, adaptable pathway for integrating research into coursework, lowering the barrier to adopting CUREs across institutional and disciplinary contexts.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1453181110, Track 4: Advanced CI Coordination Ecosystem: Monitoring and Measurement Services, G3562386289, LEAPS-MPS: Memory-Based Simulation Approaches: Developing Computational Methods and Scientists, Track 1: ACCESS Resource Allocations Marketplace and Platform Services (RAMPS), G4010157413, G4484576327, ACO: An Open CI Ecosystem to Advance Scientific Discovery (OpenCI), Track 3: COre National Ecosystem for CyberinfrasTructure (CONECT), G5367127336, G5464919783, Track 2: Customized Multi-tier Assistance, Training, and Computational Help (MATCH) for End User ACCESS to CI, G8533964643
OpenAlex ID: W7214978370