Preparing middle and high school students for conducting postsecondary academic research

Abstract

Recent times have shown a remarkable increase in focus towards teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles both within and outside the classroom environment. Collaboration amongst academic researchers and educational practitioners has yielded exceptional opportunities for students to increase technological literacy through participation in structured formal and informal learning activities. This paper outlines a resource for students to display their creativity and independent learning skills by presenting a journalistic approach to publishing student-initiated research projects. Comparable in format to professional technical journals, the establishment of a peer-reviewed, online and open-access journal geared for the 7-12 grade audience is presented. This concept is currently being explored within the Springfield, Illinois public school district, coupled with the organization of a biannual workshop dedicated to teaching a systematic and ethical approach to performing academic research. Future performance indicators are discussed for capturing the effectiveness of this project-based learning methodology, and to show how this method might help students realize the significance of today's challenges, understand the use of a systematic approach to problem solving, and create a pathway for achieving their academic endeavors. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.