Teaching research methods
A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING
METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP
TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A
WORKSHOP SETTING
The problem: research-oriented teaching
 Teaching research methods is largely skills teaching,
best supported by research-oriented and researchbased approaches
 Allowing students to engage in practical, hands-on
learning
 set in small groups allowing students to practice new
skills in a supportive peer-environment and to learn
from one another whilst under close supervision
 Workshops would consist of a number of small
research tasks which require online access but also pen
to paper
Neither normal seminar rooms nor computer clusters
allow for this kind of dynamic learning.
The project
 Part of the module SOC1031, Knowing in
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Sociology, semester 2 of 2011-12
Sessions run as 5 workshops
Each group receives 1 laptop to share, seminar
leader has one machine in addition
Students work in small groups of 3-5 on research
tasks with clear instructions
groups need to answer questions and take notes on
a ‘task sheet’ which they are instructed to email
each other at the end of each session
The workshops
1) Reading and presenting statistics: checking sets
of statistical data on online databases (ESDS,
neighbourhood statistics)
2) Survey knowledge in the media: starting with a
newspaper article, tracing and checking figures
on official databases (ONS)
3) Developing an interview schedule
4) Reflecting on/analysing the interview
5) Projects and reports: tracing original reports
online and double-checking findings
(googling; searching the internet)
Evaluation
Nothing positive (0)
one positive (3)
two positives (14)
 Via questionnaire and group discussion in workshop 5
three positives (38)
 Reflection of ML (PI) and two Teaching Assistants
 Positive features outweighed negative features of teaching in
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evaluation
Some issues with tasks in the early workshops, students uncertain
about the 2 hr slot
Responses to working with laptops: overwhelmingly positive.
Laptops were useful for Finding stats/access to
data/websites/most recent data/comparing data using different
tools; shared worksheets; assignments; interactive/practical;
transfer skills to own PC; facilitated group work
Problems: number of laptops for some (others disagreed);
distribution of group work; technical difficulties
Would you bring your own laptop? No: 26; Yes, but really prefer
not to: 15; yes, but others can’t use it: 6; yes: 15;
Wider discussion
 Workshop in GPS in September 2012 with colleagues who
teach research methods or skills
 Wider exchange about the challenges of teaching research
methods, skills and differences/overlaps within the school
 On teaching techniques general agreement that computer
clusters are very difficult teaching spaces: do not easily
allow for group work; need to be cleared of users prior to
teaching and are then frequently disrupted.
 This type of laptop-set up or anything similar that allows for
teaching to take place in more accommodating seminar
spaces seems much preferable.
 Problem: lack of wifi connectivity across campus, logistics
(lugging 6 laptops across)
Is there a need to rethink computer provision?