IMPACT OF STUDENT APPROACHES TO ALURE: 'SWIMMING LESSONS ' IN THE UNDERGRADUATE LABORATORY.

This study investigated student-reported experiences in Authentic Large-scale Undergraduate Research Experiences (ALUREs) and in traditional laboratory-based practical sessions (LEAPS). BACKGROUND Engaging undergraduate students in research is considered essential for a tertiary science education; and for producing prepared, informed graduate scientists. Existing undergraduate research experience models have been shown to confer a broad array of student benefits, however they also have limitations of scale that prevent large numbers of students engaging in undergraduate research. We are using ALURE to massify the opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in research and to explore it as a potential part of their future study and career plans. AIMS This study aimed to record student perceptions of their learning and development during ALUREs, and determine the aspects of ALURE that students report as 'helps and hindrances ' for this learning and development. The aim of the OLT-funded ALURE Project is to give information to academics who want to engage their undergraduates in integrated research experiences. We aim to use our data to develop good practice guidelines for ALURE implementation, with a particular focus on enhancing the student experience. DESCRIPTION OF EDUCATIONAL MODE