Through research seminars, collaborative projects, publications, and other scholarly activities, Student Scholars contribute their perspectives to research on how students learn. This page features research publications, blog posts, and reflections from CEL Student Scholars and their faculty and staff collaborators.

Peer Reviewed Articles and Chapters

CEL Student Scholars have contributed to peer-reviewed research on engaged learning, undergraduate research, student-faculty partnerships, and teaching and learning in higher education.

Blog Posts

Read reflections and research-informed writing from CEL Student Scholars and their faculty and staff partners. Posts explore topics including engaged learning, undergraduate research, student expertise, learning on location, equitable teaching and grading, and the role of students as partners in educational research.

Collage of an early 2000s desktop computer with chat messages coming out of it with quote text: Even if I’m not actively searching out and using generative AI every single day, am I accidentally using it?”

Students’ Perspectives on GenAI in Higher Education: Research Seminar Reflections, Part 2 

In our previous blog post, students shared some of their perspectives on GenAI in higher education and reflections on interactions in the first of three summer meetings of the 2026-2028 research seminar on Rethinking Engaged Learning in the Age of…

"Considering students' perspectives on GenAI and on teaching and learning should assist faculty with addressing the availability of this technology in higher education." -Aaron Trocki

Students’ Perspectives on GenAI in Higher Education: Research Seminar Reflections, Part 1 

In early July, the leadership team for the research seminar on Rethinking Engaged Learning in the Age of GenAI hosted the first of three summer meetings for seminar participants. Three CEL Student Scholars serve on our leadership team, and they have been integral to planning and delivering the July seminar meeting, which focused on helping multi-institutional teams plan three-year Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)…

Woman with a backpack holding a map behind her back with quote "For twenty days, Australia became a living classroom—one that challenged me, pushed me, and ultimately taught me more about learning on location than any article ever could.”

Learning Through Place and People: A Three-Week Winter Term in Australia  

When I signed up for a three-week January course in Australia on Ecotourism, I expected to learn about sustainability, wildlife, and Aboriginal culture. What I did not expect was how much the place itself would shape every part of my…

"When we recognize that knowledge can come from lived experience as well as formal education, we begin to see students not only as learners, but also as experts with valuable perspectives." with students presenting research poster

ExCELlent Together: Redefining Student Expertise 

Despite how the word “expert” is commonly used in society, by the media, by educators, and maybe by you, the term is not limited to an individual with years of education and practice. An expert can include individuals with an…

Women working together at a computer with text "I believe every student can benefit from opportunities to learn in the places where knowledge is actively being applied."

Learning on Location: Finding Clarity Beyond the Classroom

When I first picked my majors, I thought I had a pretty clear idea of what my future would look like. I knew I was interested in physical therapy, passionate about movement, and motivated by helping others improve their quality of life….

High school student sitting at a table doing homework with notes and headphones, alongside the quote: “Homework favors students who have resources at home, such as internet access, college-educated guardians, tutors, and quiet settings.”

Considerations for Equitable Grading 

Listen to The Harvard EdCast podcast episode Grading for Equity (32:00)  In my senior core capstone class for elementary education majors, we were recently asked to listen to The Harvard EdCast podcast titled “Grading for Equity”. The podcast featured Joe Feldman, who…

Elementary-aged student seated at a classroom desk, matching letters on a worksheet. Text on graphic reads: “This research-based approach will offer students the opportunity to have an immersive school day that is hard to replicate in other school settings.”

Let’s Talk about The Roberts Academy  

This fall (2025), Elon University announced the addition of Roberts Academy, set to open in the fall of 2026. The academy will serve as a school for students with dyslexia, offering tailored, individualized instruction beginning with third- and fourth-grade students, with plans to expand to…

College students sitting in circle having tight conversation. Quote reads: "I wasn’t just a student—I was a contributor. That spatial arrangement made a difference.”

Learning on Location: Space, Confidence, and Connection  

This past summer, I was given the opportunity to participate on the leadership team for the Learning on Location research seminar as a CEL student scholar. I was very excited to be able to be a part of this seminar because of my interest in place-based learning. I knew I would be challenged in new ways, not just academically, but personally.  Stepping into…