IU-REU Program

1. IU-REU Program School of Informatics and Computing Funded by: NSF DUE-0443061 and CNS-0540592 IEEE-Computer Society Seed Grant

2. AFFINITY RESEARCH GROUP MODEL • Cooperative group interaction • Deliberate and intentional development of skills • Support structure • Best practices Expand participation by recruiting students who may not normally be involved in research

3. OBJECTIVES • To discuss the purpose and activities of research • To introduce the Affinity Research Group Model and the ideal research learning environment • To clarify the role of the mentor • To provide overview of summer structure • Q & A

4. GOALS AND ACTIVITIES OF RESEARCH

5. ROLE ASSIGNMENTS • Recorder • Timekeeper • Direction giver

6. BRAINSTORMING • Instructions: • Delete sample document icon and replace with working document icons as follows: • Create document in Word. • Return to PowerPoint. • From Insert Menu, select Object… • Click “Create from File” • Locate File name in “File” box • Make sure “Display as Icon” is checked. • Click OK • Select icon • From Slide Show Menu, Select Action Settings. • Click “Object Action” and select “Edit” • Click OK • Each group member, in turn, contributes or passes. • The recorder writes down each contribution on a flip chart. • Brainstorming ends when each person passes. • Generate as many ideas as possible. • Guidelines • No discussion during brainstorming. • Every idea is a good idea. • Scaffolding is encouraged.

7. BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS • What are the benefits of involving undergraduate students in research? • What activities or techniques do you use to develop students’ research skills? 6 minutes

8. DISCUSSION PROCEDURE • Instructions: • Delete sample document icon and replace with working document icons as follows: • Create document in Word. • Return to PowerPoint. • From Insert Menu, select Object… • Click “Create from File” • Locate File name in “File” box • Make sure “Display as Icon” is checked. • Click OK • Select icon • From Slide Show Menu, Select Action Settings. • Click “Object Action” and select “Edit” • Click OK • As a group, discuss and prioritize ideas for each question. • Be prepared to share top ideas with large group. • Time: 6 minutes

9. BENEFITS: INVOLVING UNDERGRADUATES IN RESEARCH • Research Shows Students will: • Increase chances of attending graduate school • Attain a higher level competence in STEM • Understand the methods and process of research • Learn how to communicate and work in teams • Learn how to make informed judgments about technical matters • Increase level of self-confidence

10. ATTRIBUTES OF A DESIRABLE EMPLOYEE (DEPT. OF LABOR) • Ability to learn and apply new concepts • Competence in listening and communication skills • Adaptability • Creative-thinking and problem-solving skills • Personal management, goal setting, motivation • Effective team and interpersonal skills • Organization effectiveness and leadership skills

11. Five Basic Elements/Three Core Values Elements • Positive interdependence • Face-to-face promotive interaction • Individual and group accountability • Professional skills • Group processing Three Core Values • Student Success • Cooperation • Excellence

12. CORE VALUES OF AN AFFINITY RESEARCH GROUP Student Success: An ARG values the deliberate development of skills in each student to ensure their success. Cooperation:An ARG values cooperation in all interactions, including mutual respect of opinions and ideas of all members, promotive interaction, positive interdependence, and individual accountability. Excellence: An ARG values excellence and strives to achieve it in all its actions.

13. Focus on Group Process and Dynamics …Group Members Will: • Initiate discussions and contribute equally • Seek information and opinions • Be willing to compromise and be creative to resolve differences • Praise and correct other members as appropriate • Accept constructive feedback, whether positive or constructive

14. ARG vs. traditional hierarchical model ARG Traditional Members concerned about progress of team project Students of mixed skills are recruited. Research, technical, team and professional skills are emphasized and taught. Cooperative environment is a key part of the model and is encouraged/developed. Process improvement Members often concerned only about their individual project Only the best and brightest are recruited – few undergrads “Necessary” research and technical skills are taught. Environment is controlled by research leader and may be competitive.

15. Qualities of Mentor Excellence

16. SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP MODEL

17. RESEARCH PROJECT FRAMEWORK Provide a framework for realizing relevance of assignments • Description • Define mission and goals • Map tasks to goals • Define activities and timeline • Promote project and time management • Benefits • Understand importance of work • Understand steps toward completing tasks • Facilitate setting goals and balancing time

18. SMALL-GROUP MEETINGS Refine weekly/bi-weekly goals, solve problems, and discuss research • Description • Structured meetings • Status and problem reporting • Discussion/presentations • Teach concepts • Constructive criticism • Benefits • Structure accountability • Practice group and communication skills • Develop domain expertise • Evaluate goals, tasks, and methodology

19. DEFINED DELIVERABLES Define milestones and deliverables for the project • Description • Associate deliverable with assigned task • Provide constructive criticism of deliverable • Examples: presentation, critical review, summary, literature review • Benefits • Develop domain expertise • Hone technical and communication skills • Contribute tangibly to project • Structure accountability

20. LARGE-GROUP MEETINGS Integrate research results and develop higher-level thinking skills • Description • Recognize students • Inform group of research • Teach and practice higher-level skills • Benefits • Foster cooperation • Transfer results • Develop domain expertise • Practice skills

21. AFFINITY RESEARCH GROUP MODEL • Cooperative group interaction • Deliberate and intentional development of skills • Support structure • Best practices Expand participation by recruiting students who may not normally be involved in research

22. DISCUSSION What concerns and questions do you have?

23. ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

24. OBJECTIVES • Philosophy and Goals • To understand the motivation for being involved in an ARG • To learn about ARG’s philosophy and goals • Research Activities and Skills • To discuss the purpose and activities of research • To engage in ARG activities that develop a basic research plan • Cooperative Team Skills • To learn and practice the basic elements of a cooperative team • Competing Concerns • For faculty to hear the concerns of students • For students to hear the concerns of faculty

25. ARG GOALS Develop students’ skills and engage students in experiences that will provide them the ability to be successful in their current and advanced studies, research, and the workforce.

26. AFFINITY RESEARCH GROUP MODEL • Integration of diverse students • Cooperative group interaction • Deliberate and intentional development of skills • Support structure • Best practices Expand participation by recruiting students who may not normally be involved in research

27. ARG vs. traditional hierarchical model ARG Traditional Members concerned about progress of team project Students of mixed skills are recruited. Research, technical, team and professional skills are emphasized and taught. Cooperative environment is a key part of the model and is encouraged/developed. Process improvement Members often concerned only about their individual project Only the best and brightest are recruited – few undergrads “Necessary” research and technical skills are taught. Environment is controlled by research leader and may be competitive.

28. CORE VALUES OF AN ARG • Student Success: An ARG values the deliberate development of skills in each student to ensure their success. • Cooperation:An ARG values cooperation in all interactions, including mutual respect of opinions and ideas of all members, promotive interaction, positive interdependence, and individual accountability. • Excellence: An ARG values excellence and strives to achieve it in all its actions.

29. AN AFFECTIVE CODE OF COOPERATION (Smith 2004) • Help each other be right, not wrong. • Look for ways to make new ideas work, not for reasons they won’t. • If in doubt, check it out. Don’t make assumptions. • Help each other win and take pride in each other’s victories. • Speak positively about each other and your organization at every opportunity. • Maintain a positive mental attitude. • Act with initiative and courage as if it all depends on you. • Do everything with enthusiasm. • Don’t lose faith. • Have fun!