Teaching and Educational Methods

Mandatory Undergraduate Research: Unlocking the Potential of Students at a Latin American University

Luis A. Sandoval(a) and Sarahí D. Morales(a)
(a)Texas Tech University

JEL Codes: JEL Codes: A22, I23, A00
Keywords: Career readiness, higher education, Latin America, Zamorano

First Published Online: March 26, 2025

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Abstract

Through undergraduate research experiences (UREs), students develop important knowledge and skills, such as reading and understanding scientific literature, working independently, and communication skills. The acquired knowledge and skills apply to their professional life, regardless of whether students pursue a career in science. Because students choose to participate in these experiences, the overall satisfaction and perceived benefits of the experiences tend to be positively evaluated. The URE is a graduation requirement at the Panamerican Agricultural School (Zamorano University). To the best of our knowledge, no literature explores student satisfaction and perceived benefits in the context of mandatory UREs. In this teaching method article, we present details on the URE at Zamorano University, including its modalities, procedure, and required human and capital resources, student satisfaction, and perceived benefits for the 2023 agribusiness cohort, and the overall impact to society. The results suggest most students were satisfied or very satisfied with the experience and perceived moderate to significant benefits. However, mean satisfaction and perceived benefits were lower than non-mandatory UREs at other institutions. Finally, we present evidence of the UREs’ contribution to faculty involved in advising and its benefits to society.

About the Authors: Luis A. Sandoval is currently an Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University. Was formerly an Associate Professor and Institutional Research Coordinator at Zamorano University. (Corresponding Author Email: Luis.Sandoval@ttu.edu). Sarahí D. Morales is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Texas Tech University. Was formerly an Associate Professor and Department Head of General Studies at Zamorano University.

Acknowledgements: In Honduras, no established regulatory requirement exists for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for research involving human subjects. However, it is essential to emphasize that both researchers involved in this study have received formal training in human research ethics and have diligently undertaken all necessary precautions and ethical considerations to safeguard the well-being and rights of the participating students. The researchers have conducted this study with the utmost commitment to ethical standards and the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the participants' autonomy, ensuring their protection throughout the research process. The study was also approved by the department´s head and the academic dean.

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