Inquiry-based Learning Strategies and Student Engagement

该项目正在评估数据记录和地理信息系统技术在瓦伦西亚社区学院（一所城市少数族裔服务机构）整合到地球科学入门课程后对学生学习和参与的影响。经济实惠的数据记录技术允许学生收集和处理物理数据，如空气和水质信息。有了便宜的地理信息系统技术，学生们在空间环境中评估他们收集的数据，为他们对物理世界的理解和解释增加了一个额外的维度。该项目围绕两门非专业课程设计：一门实验室物理地质学课程和一门实地课程。在这两门课程中，学生将使用数据记录和GIS技术来收集、处理和解释数据，并将他们的结论呈现给他们的导师和同龄人。在物理地质学实验课程中，学生的学习通过以下方式得到加强：1)使用准备好的活动进行指导性探究；2)使用现有的原始数据集进行开放式探究；3)学生收集、处理和解释自己的数据进行开放式探究；4)使用学生收集的数据和使用公共领域数据集（NOAA、USGS等）进行指导性和开放式探究活动的结合。在暑期实地研究课程中，学生们按照本科生研究经验模式进行真实的调查。夏季研究经验利用并建立在学生在先决条件的物理地质实验课程中发展的技能。正在使用定性和定量方法评估学生的学习和参与情况，并通过各种积极的方法传播项目结果。该项目为缺乏工业或大学研究设施的多元化社区大学生群体提供本科研究经验。正在向学生介绍数据记录技术和调查活动，以最大限度地利用有限的地质资源。由于这些活动的重点是实际可收集的数据，学生们正在对当地地质资源有更好的了解。该项目通过整合和评估可在任何地方使用的经济实惠的数据记录技术，为地质资源有限和/或无法获得昂贵研究设施的地区的众多地球科学项目提供了信息。因此，该项目正在开发一个现实和可采用的模式，让社区大学生参与真正的地球科学研究。

This project is evaluating the effect of data-logging and GIS technology on student learning and engagement when integrated into introductory geoscience courses at Valencia Community College, an urban, minority-serving institution. The affordable data-logging technology allows students to collect and process physical data such as air and water quality information. With the addition of inexpensive GIS technology, students are assessing their collected data within a spatial context, adding an additional dimension to their understanding and interpretation of the physical world. The project is designed around two courses for non-majors: a laboratory physical geology course and a field-based course. In both courses, students are using data-logging and GIS technology to collect, process, and interpret data, as well as to present their conclusions to their instructor and peers. In the physical geology lab course, student learning is being enhanced by: 1) guided-inquiry using prepared activities, 2) open-ended inquiry activities using existing raw data sets, 3) open-ended inquiry where students collect, process, and interpret their own data, and 4) a combination of guided- and open-ended inquiry activities using data collected by the students and using public domain data sets (NOAA, USGS, etc.). In the summer field research course, students are carrying out authentic inquiries following a Research Experience for Undergraduates model. The summer research experience utilizes and builds on the skills developed by the students in the prerequisite physical geology laboratory course. Student learning and engagement are being evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and project results are being disseminated through a variety of active approaches.This project is providing undergraduate research experiences for a diverse, community college student population lacking access to industry or university research facilities. Students are being introduced to data-logging technology and inquiry activities that maximize the availability and use of limited geologic resources. Because these activities are focusing on data actually available for collection, students are developing a better understanding of local geologic resources. The project is informing numerous geoscience programs in regions with limited geologic resources and/or access to expensive research facilities by incorporating and evaluating affordable data-logging technology that can be used anywhere. Consequently, the project is developing a realistic and adoptable model for engaging community college students in authentic geoscience research.