Understanding early research experiences through the lens of connected learning

Abstract

This paper examines the early research experiences of eighteen researchers from a variety of scholarly fields to identify key factors in effective, successful experiences. Applying thematic analysis to semi‐structured interviews, and using the Connected Learning framework as a lens to examine early research experiences, we identify three factors that are common in successful experiences: exposure to key events early in researchers' lives, mentorship from a variety of sources that proactively connects early researchers to opportunities and models support, and experiences that prompt curiosity and joy, sparking the interests of those who go on to become researchers. This work has implications for the design of early research experiences and demonstrates how connecting youth to research opportunities early in their learning allows them to pursue their interests, build relationships with mentors/mentees, and access opportunities to develop as researchers and critical thinkers.

Finding the Aha! Moment of Search: A Preliminary Examination of Insight Learning During Search

“…The coding of themes was discussed repeatedly by both authors to better extract themes and categorize the codes. We regularly checked subjective intercoder agreement during the coding process, as past researchers have done (Magee & Simpson, 2019).…”

“When I talk about it, my eyes light up!” Impacts of a national laboratory internship on community college student success

“…36,37 Studies suggest that participating in research during the first two years of undergraduate studies has the potential to increase student grade point average (GPA) at graduation, discipline-specific content knowledge, confidence, curiosity, interest, science identity, and institutional satisfaction. [38][39][40] Aptly stated by Hagedorn and Purnamasari 41 , a student "will not elect to be a nuclear physicist" without some exposure to the field, or knowledge about what the career path entails; participation in research experiences or internships can provide these opportunities.…”