TRB Pubsindex
Text Size:
x

« Prev Next »

Return to Results | New Search

Bookmark and Share

Title:

Use of the TRB Research Needs Statements Database in an Introductory Transportation Course

Accession Number:

01620119

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

Find a library where document is available


Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03611981

Abstract:

The literature recognizes that the initial stages of a research project, including identifying and selecting a research topic, are the most challenging steps of project development for college students in the United States. Nevertheless, very limited literature exists on topic identification and selection, especially for undergraduate studies. TRB has built and maintains an extensive research needs statements (RNS) database. There is great potential for using this database as a tool to assist undergraduate and graduate students in transportation-related disciplines in selecting a research topic. This paper presents a case for using the RNS database for topic identification and selection in an introductory transportation engineering course for undergraduates at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The students used the RNS database for the term design project. Data were collected through a survey distributed at the end of the course that aimed to solicit students’ feedback on their experiences using the database. The responses to the survey, along with other relevant information, were analyzed to explore the benefits of using the RNS database in a course. The findings of this study suggest that the students had a positive perception of the database. Both the instructor and the students found many benefits of using the database for finding topics for term projects. This paper provides recommendations based on the students’ feedback, the instructor’s experience, and the study findings. These recommendations should be considered by instructors who decide to use the RNS database for educational purposes, as well as by TRB staff tasked with maintaining the database.

Monograph Title:

Research and Education

Monograph Accession #:

01626375

Report/Paper Numbers:

17-02931

Language:

English

Authors:

Pyrialakou, V Dimitra
Diefes-Dux, Heidi A
Gkritza, Konstantina

Pagination:

pp 10–17

Publication Date:

2017

Serial:

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Issue Number: 2614
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

9780309441513

Media Type:

Digital/other

Features:

References (9) ; Tables (3)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Research needs

Subject Areas:

Data and Information Technology; Education and Training; Research; Transportation (General)

Files:

PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Created Date:

Dec 8 2016 11:06AM

More Articles from this Serial Issue: