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Experiential Learning in Interdisciplinary Research:
Engaging Students, Faculty and the Community
One of the most effective means of education is to learn by doing. In
the sciences, this effectively means involving students in the
activities of scientists, namely research and education. Although
the research may be global in extent and application, education
begins locally, on campus and in the community. The Geology Program
at ISU seeks to actively involve undergraduate and graduate students
in cutting-edge research that is global in application and extent.
These students serve as conduits of information and excitement,
conveying their experiences in written and oral form not only to
scientists, but also to ISU students, local schools, and the
community. Education of the campus and community about the global,
applicable research at ISU is a vital aspect of the University's
role in the region, and the ISU Geology Program integrates student
education, scientific research and educational outreach. Involvement
of students in field-oriented research projects provides potentially
life-changing experiences that, when presented to peers, engages
other students. One of the benefits of experiential learning for
students is the expansion of their perception of what is possible.
At ISU, students have begun to realize that it is possible to be a
marine scientist, despite the distance to the nearest ocean. There
are oceanographers at IUPUI, IU, SIU, and NIU, so marine research is
not unusual in the region, though this is not widely known. ISU is
conducting research around the globe, and involving local students
in the process of scientific discovery.
The objectives of experiential learning projects in the Geology
Program include: (1) to provide significant, life-changing,
experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates; (2)
train students not only to conduct research, but to give
presentations to classes and local schools, engaging other students
in the experiential learning process; (3) provide
student-generated displays that would highlight experiential
learning; (4) promote experiential learning in faculty research
across campus and the nation by showcasing students who are involved
in research; (5) promote ISU research activities in the
sciences to the community through presentations; (6) write
research grants that include students; (7) involve local
organizations in the training and education of students. Students
work on research samples at ISU, present results at research
conferences, publish abstracts, and also give presentations of the
experience to ISU classrooms and to local schools. This model
continues to be successful, providing well-trained graduates who
compete very well in the job and graduate school markets.
Paleontology/Paleoceanography/Paleoecology
The world's oceans cover about 70% of the globe, and the management
and understanding of the biological and geological processes in
marine environments remain primary foci of research, employment and
global concern. It is therefore critical that science students be
exposed to marine research, and become actively aware of the
opportunities and importance of ocean science in society--even in
land-locked areas of the Midwest. Ecosystem effects of pollutants is
just one of the exciting avenues of research, and this affects not
only humans but seafloor communities as well. Restoration of local
aquatic habitats, and development of tourist and fisheries resources
require an understanding of the potential impacts and recovery
processes of aquatic ecosystems. To date we have been successful in
the ISU geology program in a pilot program designed to give students
research experience aboard a 24-hour
student research cruise off San Diego. We have also been successful
in involving students on a major research cruises off Alaska,
California Antarctica, and Italy. Each student in the Paleontology/Paleoceanography
Lab has his/her own dedicated computer, microscope, and desk space
for their specific research project. Each student has presented
their work in at least one (usually several) scientific
conference(s). As a result of these previous experiences and a
growing reputation, ISU students are now being invited to
participate in research endeavors around the world.
Check out some of the experiential learning that has
been offered in the past here at ISU!!!!
Alaska
Antarctica
Australia
California (San Diego and Baja)
Costa Rica
Monterey Bay, California
Venice, Italy
Aquarium
Current Research
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