Teaching Global Change in Local Places: The HERO Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

Abstract

The Human–Environment Research Observatory (HERO) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program aimed to develop the next generation of researchers working on place-based human–environment problems. The program followed a cooperative learning model to foster an integrated approach to geographic research and to build collaborative research skills. The program hosted 12–16 students annually, who first engaged in an intensive short course and then formed three- or four-person teams to conduct research in four biophysically and socioeconomically diverse places. The teams used cyberinfrastructure to collaborate and integrate their research and findings. Most of the REU students have opted to attend graduate school and specialize in human–environment research.

Keywords:

• Undergraduate research
• human–environment studies
• environmental education
• collaborative learning
• cooperative learning

Notes

¹ We base underrepresented status on membership data for the Association of American Geographers. See Pandit (2004) for detailed discussion of these data and their trends over time.

² Alternative collaborative learning models also have small-group activities but are much less organized and emphasize process over product.