Teaching and Learning Anthropology

Anthropology often lacks sufficient research opportunities for undergraduates. In this manuscript, we describe the development, delivery, and pilot assessment of INvolving Students In DEsigning Research (INSIDER), a seminar-style course designed to provide undergraduates with research experience. The first INSIDER seminar was team-taught by three anthropology graduate instructors, mentored by a faculty member, and taught research skills through the lens of their research in sociocultural, psychological/medical, and biological anthropology. The course focused on hands-on skill development, small-group work with mentorship, and demystifying the research process. INSIDER improved students’ research self-efficacy and provided concrete skills to support them in pursuing research earlier in their undergraduate careers than is typically the case. Graduate instructors gained valuable experience in research translation, acting as a course instructor, and communicating difficult concepts. Graduate instructors are key to INSIDER’s success, as they are positioned closer to the undergraduate experience than faculty are, meaning they serve as important aspirational figures for undergraduate students.