Geoscience Departments Research Articles

Geoscience Departments Can “Phone a Friend” for Support

For a decade, the Traveling Workshops Program has provided customized assistance and expert facilitation to support geoscience groups as they adapt to shifting student and institutional interests.

COVID-19’s meso-scale impacts: exploring the perspectives of geoscience department chairs in California

Across the landscape of higher education, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused fundamental changes at a variety of scales. To understand which aspects of higher education instruction at the departmental (meso-scale) level were most and least impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, chairs of geoscience departments at public higher education institutions in California (n = 38) were surveyed on the pandemic’s impacts on teaching in their departments, and whether those changes persisted beyond Spring 2022. The shift to online teaching was the pandemic’s primary impact. The findings indicate that this shift was followed by significant direct and indirect impacts on a variety of departmental and instructional aspects, including assessment methods, course offerings, course structure and organization, enrollment, recruitment and outreach, and student learning, in both positive and negative ways. Conversely, the pandemic had relatively little impact on degree structure and course content. Key pedagogical changes include the increased use of Learning Management Systems (LMSs), non-exam assessment methods, and online and hybrid modalities. The results highlight the need for departmental and institutional support to mitigate negative effects on geoscience in-lab and in-field classes, equity and achievement gaps, graduate student needs, recruitment and outreach efforts, and department chair stress, mental health, and burnout. Continued health and resilience in geoscience departments requires that the pandemic’s negative impacts be identified, studied, and addressed by departments, institutions, and professional organizations. Analyzing effects at the meso-scale is an important part of a multi-faceted, multi-scalar assessment of the pandemic’s impacts on geoscience education.

Assessing motivations, benefits, and barriers of implementing virtual field experiences in geoscience-related disciplines

Outdoor field experiences have long been part of the traditional curriculum in geoscience-related disciplines and are considered a key aspect of professional development in these areas. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of many field excursions around the world, geoscience departments were forced to make abrupt changes to the ways students would be introduced to field study. Virtual field experiences, which were often utilized prior to COVID-19 in a variety of ways, including preparation for in-person fieldwork, increasing student interest, and increasing student accessibility, were developed and employed as alternative options to in-person field experiences. This embedded mixed-methods study used open, hierarchical coding schemes with referential category structure to code open-ended survey responses from 89 department heads and 27 instructors in geoscience-related departments across the U.S. The study was aimed at better understanding acceptance and familiarity with VFEs, motivations for use, and the benefits and barriers encountered during development and implementation. Binary quantitative data was collected to identify institution type, familiarity with, and motivation for the use of VFEs. Opportunities for student diversity, inclusion, and access for students from historically underrepresented groups (BIPOC, disabled students, women, and LGBTQ + students) were the most immediate benefits recognized. The most often cited barriers were time, skills, and resources needed to create VFEs and put them to use. As VFEs have been utilized in a variety of ways before and during COVID-19, it has become increasingly necessary to discuss the roles they will play going forward in academic and professional geoscience-related spaces.

An Immersive Virtual Field Experience Structuring Method for Geoscience Education

Digital outcrop models (DOMs) have facilitated quantitative and qualitative studies in digital and virtual environments of source and reservoir rock analogs important to the oil industry. The use of immersive virtual reality (iVR) to extend field experiences has motivated several research groups to develop software integrating iVR techniques with tools to interpret and derive geological information from DOMs. This virtual approach can also contribute to the development of geological and spatial thinking skills taught in the classroom and during field trips. The immersive virtual field trips (iVFTs) can provide students access to outcrops and additional data restricted to field learning activities while allowing additional interactions impossible in the field. iVFTs have been developed recently; however, the structuring of iVFTs for geology classes has not been presented in a way that inexperienced iVR users can make use of such systems. In this scenario, our work proposes a method to structure an iVFT using georeferenced data containers and the virtual reality software Mosis LAB while evaluating users' perceptions during an iVFT study case. The evaluation using technology acceptance model questionnaires showed that users were positively impacted by the observational iVFT experience, effectively supporting e-learning, and class field learning activities and preparations. This approach allows field trip experiences in less accessible study sites, especially in less favorable conditions like the ones during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic where many geoscience departments had their field trips hampered.

Importance of centering traditional knowledge and Indigenous culture in geoscience education

Traditional Knowledge (TK) is a qualitative and quantitative living body of knowledge developed locally and regionally across generations over thousands of years. This study aims to show through authentic voice the importance of centering TK systems and cultural needs to provide equitable geoscience education programs. TK can be communicated through a variety of methods, such as story and song, dance, paintings, carvings, structures, and textiles. TK is interdisciplinary within anthropological and ecological subsistence and provide enhanced cultural and spiritual context. Research findings are enhanced by the exploratory and inquiry-based design of TK and provide insight into the anthropogenic impacts on the environment allowing researchers to gain a rich understanding of human behaviors and patterns when collecting and analyzing data. This study examines factors influencing Indigenous students’ participation and retention in the geosciences, specifically gauging opinions on the incorporation of TK systems into geoscience education. Data was collected using an electronic survey to identify factors that inform students’ decision to enter geoscience disciplines and better understand the importance of role models and mentors for retention. Our findings indicate that Indigenous students were interested in using both TK and Western science in geoscience learning spaces, Indigenous role models played an important role in sense of belonging and identity in the geosciences, and the incorporation of culture into learning experiences played an important role in retention. Findings from this study, if operationalized, would allow geoscience departments to increase retention of Indigenous students and faculty, provide equitable educational opportunities, and to better understand how to effect cultural change in the geosciences by providing a welcoming and affirming space for Indigenous scholars.

Estella Atekwana: Autobiographical Notes

I describe my career journey from a young girl in Cameroon, West Africa, to a trailblazing geophysicist to my current role as dean. I chronicle my time as a student, the transition to being an early career faculty, launching my research career, and ultimately finding my way to administration. Along the way I helped pioneer biogeophysics as a subdiscipline in geophysics while simultaneously maintaining an international research program in continental rift tectonics. I also describe the many intersectionalities in my life including being the first Black woman in many spaces, being a champion for student success, developing a diverse talent pipeline by enhancing diversity in the geosciences, and navigating academic job searches as part of a dual-career couple. Finally, I acknowledge all those who helped shape my career including the many students I had the opportunity to mentor. ▪ Many underrepresented minority geoscientists lack the social capital and professional networks critical for their success. ▪ Geoscience departments must be intentional and deliberate in promoting and ensuring more inclusive workplace environments. ▪ Dual-career couples remain a major challenge, impacting retention and recruitment of top talent; universities should provide resources to alleviate this challenge. ▪ Biogeophysics has untapped potential for advancing understanding of subsurface biogeochemical processes and the search for life in extreme environments. ▪ To date, considerable speculation remains regarding the fundamental geodynamic processes that initiate and sustain the evolution of magma-deficient rifts.

What does a degree in geology actually mean? A systematic evaluation of courses required to earn a bachelor of science in geology in the United States

Calls have been made to determine optimal learning progressions for geology students so that best practices for teaching content knowledge and skills during an undergraduate degree can be determined. To address these calls, there first needs to be understanding of what courses are required. This study was conducted to provide a systematic evaluation of courses currently required to earn a bachelor of science degree in the field of geology. Once qualifying programs were determined using the American Geoscience Institute’s Directory of Geoscience Departments, an inductive content analysis was used to determine categories representative of the most commonly required geology courses. Testing with an expert panel showed this binning system and codebook to have an interrater reliability (Fleiss’ kappa) of 0.908, demonstrating that they can be applied reliably in future research to assess longitudinal changes in course requirements. The seven most commonly required courses include structure, sedimentology/stratigraphy, introductory courses, general field methods courses, introductory level historical geology courses, mineralogy and petrology. On average, 12.69 geology courses are required for a B.S. degree. A longitudinal comparison is also made here to highlight changes since Drummond and Markin’s (2008) review, which include an increase in the frequency at which introductory, upper level seminar, research based and general field methods courses are required. The results presented provide a snapshot of the current state of the field, and allow for comparisons with content knowledge deemed a priority by the Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education Report.

Predicting academic and career choice: The role of transformative experience, connection to instructor, and gender accounting for interest/identity and contextual factors

AbstractWe used the social‐cognitive choice model (Lent et al., 2018) as a framework for investigating academic and career choice in the domain of geoscience for male and female students. In addition, we explored the role of perceived connection to instructors and transformative experience as additional factors in the social‐cognitive choice model. A total of 525 individuals from six geoscience departments participated. We conducted three path models with confidence in geoscience among majors (Model 1), intent to major in geoscience among non‐majors (Model 2), and intent to pursue a career in geoscience (Model 3) as outcome variables. Overall, the baseline social‐cognitive choice model explained a moderate amount of variance with variation by model and gender. Students' interest in and identification with geoscience was an important direct predictor of outcomes in all three models. Adding connection to instructor to the baseline model significantly increased the model fit and contributed to the amount of variance explained in Models 2 and 3, but not Model 1. Further, connection to instructor was found to mediate the relation between interest/identity and outcomes as well as directly predict outcomes in Models 2 and 3. These results held for male and female students. Adding transformative experience to the baseline plus connection to instructor model further increased the model fit and contributed to the amount of variance explained for female student in Models 2 and 3, but not for Model 1 and not for male students. Further, transformative experience was found to mediate the relation between interest/identity and outcomes as well as directly predict outcomes in all three models, but only for female students. These results suggest instructors may strengthen geoscience pathways by developing students' interest in geoscience, establishing connections with students, and, for female students, fostering transformative experiences.

The intersection of geoethics and diversity in the geosciences

Abstract The geosciences (inclusive of geology, oceanography, atmospheric science and allied disciplines) have an ethical imperative to increase diversity in the profession. The diverse ways of exploring the Earth system, and the complexity of the grand challenges facing humanity living on Earth, require contributions of experience, skills, knowledge and motivations from diverse populations. Diversity increases creativity and problem-solving abilities in working groups, and ultimately is important for the long-term health of the geoscience discipline, for contributions that impact the health and security of society and for stewardship of the planet. Barriers and disincentives for people from underrepresented groups in the geosciences are identified, and interventions and remedies are recommended. Increasing diversity will take an all-discipline commitment by geoscientists and geoscience departments, companies and institutions. All people should have access and opportunity to pursue careers in the geosciences. Geoscientists have a responsibility to create work spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, safe and supportive.

Geoethics as a common thread that can bind a geoscience department together

Abstract As ethics is a fundamental part of science, so too is geoethics at the centre of geoscience. Many university geoscience departments have not incorporated considerations of ethics or geoethics into their routine operations, strategies for student development, curriculum or research efforts. Starting to emphasize ethics within a departmental community takes an ongoing commitment to learn the vocabulary of ethics, engage in open and continuing conversations with all persons in the department and promote a shared understanding that ethics – geoethics – is an essential part of everything we do as geoscientists. Geoethics can be a common thread that helps to bind a geoscience department together.

GSA Statement on Diversity and a Challenge to the Society, Geoscience Departments, and the Geoscience Community at Large

GSA Statement on Diversity and a Challenge to the Society, Geoscience Departments, and the Geoscience Community at Large

An investigation of accessible and inclusive instructional field practices in US geoscience departments

Abstract. This study examines current accessible field-based instructional strategies across geoscience departments in the United States that support students with visual, hearing, and mobility disabilities. A qualitative questionnaire was administered to geoscience instructors from over 160 US geology departments. Outcomes from the data analysis were used to categorize accessible instructional practices into three distinct pedagogical methods: modifications, accommodations, and options for accessible instructional design. Utilizing the lens of critical disability theory, we then investigated how the identified teaching practices varied in inclusion, as some strategies can often be more exclusionary towards individual students with disabilities. Although from a US perspective, the outcomes of this study offer practical suggestions for providing accessible and inclusive field experiences that may inform a global geoscience instructional context.

Academic Program Prioritization: An Existential Threat to Geoscience Departments

Academic Program Prioritization: An Existential Threat to Geoscience Departments

Earth science education: The current state of play

Earth science education: The current state of play

Increasing accessibility and inclusion in undergraduate geology labs through scenario-based TA training

People with disabilities are chronically underrepresented in many geoscience departments across the country. There are a number of proposed reasons why this underrepresentation persists, one of which is lack of instructor training in designing accessible curriculum and making high-quality accommodations. This not only puts students with accessibility needs at a disadvantage academically but also creates an unwelcoming environment. We determined through a broad survey of the instructors and undergraduate students that the geology department at a large research-focused university lacked sufficient instructor training on accessibility-related topics. We designed and implemented a scenario-based training at the university department scale to begin correcting the lack of training. Our training was designed for and given to teaching assistants (TAs), and we assessed the effectiveness of our training by measuring TA knowledge gain and retention throughout the fall 2017 semester; comparing the number of students approaching TAs with accessibility needs in the training year to years prior to the training; and gauging undergraduate feelings of inclusion throughout semester via a series of minute-paper style surveys. Our results show an increased baseline understanding of universal design and semester-long retention of that knowledge. The number of students approaching TAs with accessibility needs increased compared to years prior to the training, and undergraduates reported overall feeling that their TAs had a genuine interest in their learning as individuals. We conclude that our results merit the inclusion of an accessibility focused TA training in the annual training schedule.

A quantitative investigation of geoscience departmental factors associated with the recruitment and retention of female students

Women are underrepresented in many undergraduate geoscience programs. Some departments are more successful at recruiting and retaining female students than others. To understand why, we investigated potential differences between more and less successful geoscience departments in terms of social support, institutional supports, institutional barriers, perceived connection to instructors, and transformative experiences. We collected data from 2,041 undergraduate geoscience students enrolled in six geoscience departments at public, four-year institutions across the United States. We recruited two departments that were successful at graduating a high percentage of female students compared to the national average (high-success sites), two departments with a moderate percentage (medium-success sites), and two with a low percentage (low-success sites). Students at high-success sites reported greater institutional supports, greater perceived connection to instructors, and lower institutional barriers than did students at medium- and low-success sites. Nonmajors at high-success sites reported higher levels of transformative experience than nonmajors at low-success sites. No significant differences were found between medium- and low-success sites. Across all sites, female students perceived less of a connection to their instructors and endorsed a lower level of transformative experience than did male students. We did not find gender differences in terms of the other factors. We also did not find gender by site interactions, suggesting that the success of high-success sites in recruiting and retaining women was associated with supporting all students. These results suggest departments can increase effectiveness in recruiting and retaining female student by increasing institutional supports, reducing institutional barriers, connecting with students, and fostering transformative experiences.

Undergraduate geoscience education research: Evolution of an emerging field of discipline‐based education research

AbstractDiscipline‐based education research (DBER) conducted by faculty within geoscience departments can address identified needs in undergraduate geoscience education. This study explores the evolution of undergraduate geoscience education research (GER) from 1985 to 2016, primarily in terms of the types of published research and secondarily in terms of the insights this literature offers on the evolution of GER as a scholarly discipline. Stokes’ (1997) quadrant model of research types is used as a theoretical framework for the former and Kuhn's (1970) model of disciplinary paradigm for the latter. An exploratory sequential mixed‐methods approach to a systematic literature review of 1,760 articles is utilized. The period 1985–2000 is characterized by proto‐research as evidenced by the abundance of instructive and informational education articles rather than research articles. From 2000 to 2011, GER underwent a growth period characterized by the presence of applied, use‐inspired, and pure basic research. The period 2011–2016 appears to be a period of relative steady‐state conditions in the normalized number of GER publications per year. Existing gaps in knowledge about geoscience education, the evident unfamiliarity with education and social science research methodologies among authors of GER articles, and efforts to build consensus about what GER is and how to conduct it suggest that GER is preparadigmatic or at a low paradigm state. That is, GER is an immature discipline as far as the evolution of a discipline goes. A path forward is proposed for the continued evolutionary growth of GER. This study provides new perspectives on the emergence of GER as a discipline that can be used as a basis for studies on cross‐disciplinary DBER comparisons.

Looking in the Right Places: Minority-Serving Institutions as Sources of Diverse Earth Science Learners

ABSTRACT Despite gains over the last decade, the geoscience student population in the United States today continues to lag other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines in terms of diversity. Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) can play an important role in efforts to broaden underrepresented student engagement with Earth Science content, especially in collaborations with other institutions and organizations that allow MSIs to share their expertise. Knowing which MSIs have Earth-related degree programs can help facilitate such collaboration. This commentary describes an effort to find and raise the visibility of these programs. In 2013, the abundance of geoscience departments at MSIs was roughly half that seen in U.S. higher-education institutions. Yet we found that nearly a third of MSIs offered one or more Earth-related degree programs. In addition, more than half of the academic units offering Earth-related degrees were interdisciplinary rather than traditional geoscience departments. It is clear that students are learning about the Earth in a wider variety of places than geology programs. These programs could provide models for supporting diverse students in the geosciences, as well as sites for potential collaborations aimed at further increasing the diversity of the geoscience workforce.

Assessing Gains in Science Teaching Self-Efficacy After Completing an Inquiry-Based Earth Science Course

ABSTRACTPreservice elementary teachers are often required to take an Earth Science content course as part of their teacher education program but typically enter the course with little knowledge of key Earth Science concepts and are uncertain in their ability to teach science. This study investigated whether completing an inquiry-based Earth Science course for preservice elementary teachers improved their self-efficacy beliefs toward science teaching using the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI-B). The results were compared against the number of years the students had been undergraduates. All students improved their science teaching self-efficacy (including the freshmen) but only the juniors and seniors experienced significant gains in outcome expectancy. The observed gains in self-efficacy were likely due to increases in cognitive content mastery—the process of successfully learning new material, and the gain in outcome expectancy were probably influenced by the number of field experiences within their teacher-education program. Geoscience departments should, therefore, offer inquiry-based Earth Science content courses designed specifically for preservice elementary teachers to improve their self-efficacy and content knowledge, thus, meeting the needs of this critical student population.

Increasing the Diversity of Your Graduate Program: Translating Best Practices into Success

Abstract Despite awareness in the geosciences that our field has a substantial lack of diversity in our workforce and student body, and countless efforts to broaden participation, graduate enrollment in the atmospheric sciences by students who are from traditionally underrepresented groups (i.e., African American, Hispanic, and American Indian students) is only slowly increasing, from 6% in 2005 to about 8.5% currently. In 2005, the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) had a minority enrollment of 3.5%, which was lower than the national enrollment statistics of 6.0%. Through a concerted effort to better reflect the demographic makeup of the United States, the department now boasts a figure closer to 16%. Our students do cutting-edge research, participate in field campaigns, and are actively involved in professional societies, such as the American Meteorological Society (AMS). We expect that many of our students will become faculty or researchers and hopefully will mentor students themselves one day. Our article highlights the strategic initiative we have used to increase the diversity in atmospheric science, in hopes that our findings can present a model that can be replicated in other geoscience departments across the nation.