Evaluating Data on the Impact of Social Justice Discussions in STEM Classrooms

An image of a lesson on X-chromosome inactivation.

Develop skills in data analysis and explore science in a social context! Assist in coding and evaluating student responses to a survey that explores the impact of social justice discussions in science classrooms! 

Project description

This research aims to identify systemic barriers to student success in undergraduate biology courses and to evaluate teaching strategies aimed at reducing these barriers. This project employs an experimental and quantitative approach to answer research questions centered around the social aspects of learning to ultimately support student persistence in STEM. 

Project outcome

At the end of the project, students will lead a lab meeting to share the results of their thematic analyses. 

Learning outcomes

Students will learn how to conduct thematic analyses of qualitative data (i.e., how to make sense of student responses to open-ended survey prompts). After completing the project, students will have the opportunity to lead their own research projects in the Costello biology education research lab. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester; 3-5 months
Start time Fall, Winter, Spring
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Potential academic credit
Who is eligible All undergraduate students 

Project mentor

Robin Costello

Assistant Professor

Biological Sciences

Phone: (716) 645-8534

Email: robincos@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about the digital badge.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Attending workshops and trainings
    • CITI Training

Keywords

biology, education, STEM, genetics, social justice