Exploring the Impact of Early Exposure to Research on Dual Enrollment Students: A Qualitative Single-Case Study

Kevin A Adkins ,Jorge L D Albelo ,Samantha Bowyer

doi:10.37074/jalt.2021.4.1.2

Abstract

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) provides a concurrent enrollment model to high schools across the United States.  The concurrent enrollment opportunity offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) college-credit coursework taught by college-credentialed instructors on the student’s high school campus. One faculty member transitioned to Embry-Riddle’s main residential campus following seven years of service with ERAU's concurrent enrollment program. During his tenure with ERAU's concurrent enrollment program, in addition to instructing a variety of concurrent enrollment courses, he maintained an active research agenda that involved concurrently enrolled students. His transition was preceded by the matriculation of a subset of these students to Embry-Riddle’s main campus. Each of these students immediately reengaged in undergraduate research with the faculty member while he continued to serve in a strong mentoring role. This presentation explores the affect this opportunity had on individual members of this tight-knit cohort as they progressed through their concurrent enrollment and undergraduate studies, participated in a long-standing mentoring relationship, and undertook their post-graduation decision-making. The research showcases project-based learning as a scaffolding technique for meaningful undergraduate research and how it may illuminate a pathway for students who do not initially see STEM as a viable option.

Highlights

The Gaetz Aerospace Institute (GAI) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides a concurrent enrollment model to over 85 high schools across the United States
The concurrent enrollment model offers college-credit coursework taught by college-credentialed instructors, frequently serving in dual roles as high school teachers, on the student’s high school campus
This latter characteristic is commonly used to differentiate this model from the dual enrollment model where students leave their high school campus, most often undertaking coursework at their local community college (NACEP, 2020)

Summary

Introduction

The Gaetz Aerospace Institute (GAI) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides a concurrent enrollment model to over 85 high schools across the United States. The concurrent enrollment model offers college-credit coursework taught by college-credentialed instructors, frequently serving in dual roles as high school teachers, on the student’s high school campus. This latter characteristic is commonly used to differentiate this model from the dual enrollment model where students leave their high school campus, most often undertaking coursework at their local community college (NACEP, 2020). Embry-Riddle, through the GAI, offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) oriented coursework for concurrently enrolled students. Embry-Riddle residential faculty provide course-specific training regarding course curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment criteria to the concurrent enrollment instructor

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