A student-centred tutor-led approach to teaching research methods

• Published in: Journal of further and higher education Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 195 - 206
• Main Authors: Edwards, Dawn F., Thatcher, Joanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Taylor and Francis Ltd 01-05-2004; Taylor & Francis Group Journals; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Educational organization; Educational sciences; Evaluation Methods; General points; Higher Education; Research Methodology; Staff Development; Student Centered Curriculum; Student Evaluation; Teaching Methods; Tutors; Western Europe; Evaluation; Teaching Practice; Further Education of Teachers; Tutoring; Research Method; Supervision
• ISSN: 0309-877X; 1469-9486
• DOI: 10.1080/0309877042000206750

Many institutions acknowledge that students find courses in research methods difficult and challenging. To overcome the problems associated with teaching this subject we have replaced the traditional didactic teaching approach, which did not facilitate student learning, optimize student achievement or adequately prepare students for their dissertation, with a student-centred, tutor-led approach. Staff training is an inherent part of the new approach, providing staff with the opportunity to refresh or develop their skills and knowledge in research methods. The approach is based on a comprehensive student study pack that has been written by staff and incorporates both ongoing assessment in the form of weekly seminar sheets and summative assessment comprising a research proposal and a statistical assignment. Since its introduction, the module has been extremely well received by both students and staff. The new approach is successful, as demonstrated by the low failure rate, the observation that students are more confident in approaching their dissertation and the fact that many now enjoy the module and find it relevant and academically challenging. External review also testifies to the success of the approach, which has been commended by external examiners and the QAA review team during their subject review.