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Engaging Undergraduates in Research [and Inquiry]

Engaging Undergraduates in Research [and Inquiry]. Julian Park The University of Reading. Objectives of Session. To discuss why we may want to further engage undergraduates with research To illustrate a few examples of tools and mechanisms that may help us achieve this

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Engaging Undergraduates in Research [and Inquiry]

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  1. Engaging Undergraduates in Research [and Inquiry] Julian Park The University of Reading

  2. Objectives of Session • To discuss why we may want to further engage undergraduates with research • To illustrate a few examples of tools and mechanisms that may help us achieve this • To encourage the use of some of these tools and resources

  3. Research-teaching synergies • In a report for the QAA, Ramsden states: “We need to encourage universities to explore new models of curriculum... They should all incorporate [...] research-based study for undergraduates to cultivate awareness of research careers, to train students in research skills for employment, and to sustain the advantages of a research-teaching connection in a mass or universal system.” (Ramsden, “The Future of Higher Education Teaching and the Student Experience”, 2008)

  4. http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/York/documents/LinkingTeachingAndResearch_April07.pdfhttp://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/York/documents/LinkingTeachingAndResearch_April07.pdf

  5. Benefits and drawbacks of engaging undergraduates with research?

  6. Skills Audit Tool • Excel- based methodology to map skills teaching, learning and assessment in programmes • Curriculum design; Flexible programmes • Module co-ordinators & programme directors • Reflect on skills within and across modules • Better articulate skills learning opportunities to students • Framework for discussion with employers

  7. Part 1 research and inquiry Small group research projects Research paper critiques Problem based investigations Staff interview and report back

  8. Research seminars • Many departments have well-established seminars • High profile speakers on cutting subjects • Can be better utilised in UG and PG curricula • Video cast of David Nutt talking about his seminar series

  9. Engage in Research • Support students less familiar with the scientific method • A support site to guide students to • An open access site • Started with Bioscience, but we are moving into other disciplines!

  10. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, (UROP) • This is year 6 at Reading……building up to about 60 per year next year

  11. UROP… comments from students Having responsibility for the work that I was required to do with my supervisor was incredibly important. Charlene King, My UROP was in a department different from my studies so I gained an insight into a different area. I had a great deal of independence which was important to me." Ambroise Baker,

  12. UROP…comments from staff "Reading is a research intensive University and the UROP placement is an excellent opportunity for students to integrate with the research community and gain valuable experience - I like to make this point at Open Days."  Dr Jennie Litten-Brown, Agriculture. "I was very pleased to receive funding for this project, which has proved to be very beneficial to my own research as well as to the development of the student's research skills. I am involved with student recruitment, both at an undergraduate and a postgraduate level, and I feel that the UROP scheme is extremely beneficial with respect to both. Dr Stephen Langdon, Maths.

  13. Students as producers Involving students in curricula and the production of teaching materials Students producing short podcasts for sharing on different subjects (Prof Annette Cashmore, Leicester University) Students producing EBL case study materials , (Anne Tierney, Glasgow University)

  14. National UG Conferences

  15. University Research Repositories

  16. Martin Luck Nottingham University Neil Morris Leeds University Julian Park Reading University Cynthia Burek Chester University Cathy Kennedy Oxford University Press

  17. Bioscience Horizons Publishes output from high quality final year projects Student nominated by their Department Abstracts reviewed before full paper Full paper refereed before decision http://biohorizons.oxfordjournals.org/

  18. The future? Motivating, exciting, enthusing (MEE) Going the extra mile Challenging and stretching Enthusing about your discipline Early exposure?

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