Understanding the Effectiveness of a Peer Coach Model in Research-intensive Undergraduate Courses

Authors

  • Michael Joseph Rovito University of Central Florida
  • Amanda Koontz University of Central Florida
  • Martha Garcia University of Central Florida
  • Mary Tripp University of Central Florida
  • Kim Schneider University of Central Florida
  • Linda Walters University of Central Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36021/jethe.v2i2.31

Keywords:

undergraduate research, peer coaches, curriculum, mentorship

Abstract

The impact of peer coaches embedded in classrooms are outlined in the literature. There is, however, a lack of evidence on when their services should be introduced into the curriculum to have the most impact possible. The goals of this exploratory research project, therefore, were to aim to provide baseline evidence on the most effective and efficient application of ‘Research Coaches’. A total of 129 undergraduate students took part in a cross-sectional design by completing a series of original surveys on the research process and qualities about their research identity. Our research suggests that peer coaches can most benefit those with the least previous research experiences as related to perceived increases in understanding of fields, research skills, previous knowledge of the subject of study and confidence in research abilities. Such quantitative findings are reinforced through our qualitative findings, suggesting that overall, peer coaches and faculty can be perceived as complimentary support systems for effective research-focused course implementation. Future implications of the use of ‘Research Coaches’ in the classroom are discussed.

Author Biographies

Amanda Koontz, University of Central Florida

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, HPH-409E, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL, 32828

Martha Garcia, University of Central Florida

Associate Professor, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, University of Central Florida, CNH528B, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL, 32828

Mary Tripp, University of Central Florida

Associate Lecturer, Department of Writing and Rhetoric, University of Central Florida, CNH147A, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL, 32828

Kim Schneider, University of Central Florida

Director, Office of Undergraduate Research, University of Central Florida, TC2-209, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL,

Linda Walters, University of Central Florida

Pegasus Professor, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, BIO401C, 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL, 32828

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Published

2019-11-25

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2019): Fall issue

Section

Articles

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