Evaluation
Two independent studies have been conducted on the ARG model. The first study evaluated the ARG model (Gates et al., 1999, Della Piana and Bernat, 1999) over a five-year period, 1995-2000, to determine the model’s impact on students in assisting ARG faculty mentors to improve, articulate, and assess the impact and effectiveness of the model. Findings indicated that the ARG model expanded students’ knowledge about groups, research, and graduate school opportunities. The demographics of affinity groups' membership during 1995-2000 was as follows: 73 graduate student members (12 Ph.D. students); 102 undergraduate student members; 136 members from underrepresented groups (38 female members); 61 members graduated with BS; 38 members graduated with MS; two members graduated with a Ph.D.; 31 undergraduate members continued to graduate school. The breakdown of publications, talks, and awards was as follows: over 150 research publications; over 100 research publications (journal and conferences) with students as co-authors; 23 publications and talks on the Affinity model; 66 student presentations at student conferences; 25 student awards and recognition.
The second study, conducted in 2007-2008, was retrospective in nature and examined ARG alumni (Kephart & Villa, 2008) to determine how student participation in ARG influenced students’ personal and professional development of skills and disciplinary knowledge. Through participation in ARG, alumni developed technical and social skills that they continue to use in the workplace and that they believe contributed significantly to their professional mobility and success.
Reports
NSF-MII Annual Reports