The purpose of this research synthesis is to examine the current research on teaching and learning research methods. The aims are to understand the themes present in the current literature and identify gaps in our understanding of how we teach, and how students learn, research methods. A synthesis of 89 studies generated three themes: (1) characteristics of students taking a research methods course, (2) teaching methods and techniques, and (3) content and course goals. Gaps identified include a lack of research on assessment and on what and how students learn in research methods courses. The majority of studies reviewed were teacher reports of attempted teaching strategies so that an additional need exists for other types of research into the teaching and learning of research methods such as case studies of students' learning or experimental studies of assessment techniques. Suggestions for instructors and future research are considered.

A synthesis of the literature on research methods education

Introduction. (J. Tribe, D. Airey). Growth and Development. (D. Airey). Overview of Research. (J. Tribe) Curriculum. Tourism, Knowledge and the Curriculum. (J. Tribe). Curriculum Theory and Practice: A Case in On-line Learning. (S. Elliott, G. Smith). Curriculum, Development and Conflict: A Case Study of Moldova. (J. Tribe). Work Experience and Industrial Links. (G. Busby). International Tourism Education. Australasia. (B. King, S. Craig-Smith). Brazil and Latin America. (S. Leal, M. Auxiliadora Padilha). The Caribbean. (A. Lewis). China. (Wen Zhang, Xixia Fan). East Africa. (Mayaka Melphon). Germany. (W. Freyer et al.). India. (Shalini Singh, Tej Vir Singh). The Netherlands. (M. Venema). North America. (S. Hudson). Slovenia. (T. Mihalic). South Africa. (M. Saayman). United Kingdom. (D. Airey). Teaching, Learning and Assessment.Teaching. (D. Stergiou). The Student Experience. (E. Wickens, A. Forbes). Issues in Teaching and Learning. (B. Wheeller). Assessment. (N. Beckett). Undergraduate Dissertations. (K. Smith). Cultural Issues in Learning. (P. Barron). E-Learning and E-Assessment. (M. Sigala). Teaching and Research. (F. Jordan). Community Education. (S. Cole). Resources, Progression and Quality. Teachers. (M. Stuart-Hoyle). Learning Resources. (L. Bibbings). Careers and Employment. (A. Ladkin). Quality Assurance. (D. Robbins). Postgraduate and PhD Education. (D. Botterill, T. Gale). Postscript. Practical Issues for Design, Delivery, Evaluation and Resourcing of Courses. (M. Moir, L. Hodgkins). Issues for the Future. (D. Airey, J. Tribe).

An International Handbook of Tourism Education

This paper explores motivational factors underpinning undergraduates’ learning of research skills through individual research projects with collaborative tutorials. Research has long pointed to group support, positive affect and scaffolding as important for motivating and facilitating learning. Furthermore, UK government priorities have placed an increasing emphasis on the need to develop the key skills of inquiry and working with others. However, this is set in a context of assessment and practice in higher education that encourages individualist and instrumental perspectives on gaining competencies and knowledge. Traditionally undergraduate research skills have been taught through lectures and small‐scale projects chosen by the students with individual tutorial support in a faculty of education. Here our action research introduced collaborative tutorials as another element of teaching. We examine the process of collaboration to explore factors that support motivation to learn through two principal theor...

Developing undergraduate research skills in a faculty of education: motivation through collaboration

This article presents a model for designing e-assessment processes aligned with competences and learning activities. The authors examined assessment in student-centered, competence-based learning in online contexts. We analyzed the importance of alignment for properly selecting the learning activities that best guide students towards the desired level of competence acquisition (i.e. learning outcomes). We explored the leading types of assessment and new opportunities for assessment derived from the use of technologies. The model developed takes advantage of the potential for technologies to go beyond traditional assessment approaches and proposes a classification of e-assessment activities organized by competences. When the model was applied in a real online course, results suggested it can help teachers and students better understand the meaning of competence-based learning and how the formative assessment approach is useful for helping students attain the desired competence levels.

A model for aligning assessment with competences and learning activities in online courses

In higher education, despite the emphasis on student-centred pedagogical approaches, undergraduate research methods pedagogy remains surprisingly teacher-directed. Consequently, it may lead to research methods students assuming that becoming a researcher involves gathering information rather than it being a continuous developmental process. To combat this idea, a reflective student-centred pedagogical approach is evaluated for encouraging students’ development as researchers. In this study, undergraduate research methods students piloted a research method and produced a reflective essay of their research experience. Qualitative analysis of the students’ reflective essay demonstrated that students showed an awareness of both their research skills such as choosing an appropriate research instrument and their researcher identity such as the metacognition of their research competence. Pedagogical approaches that encourage ‘reflection on action’ in the research curriculum can, therefore, help students ...

Students’ reflective essays as insights into student centred-pedagogies within the undergraduate research methods curriculum

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 ...

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

Background Education delivery in higher education institutions was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with emergency remote teaching developed and adapted promptly for the circumstances. This rapid review investigated the effectiveness of alternative education delivery strategies during the pandemic for medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students, to help plan and adapt further education provision. Methods We included 23 primary studies in undergraduate education, all published in 2020-2021, no relevant UK-based or postgraduate studies were found. Included studies comprised 10 single cohort descriptive; 11 comparative descriptive; and two RCTs. There was considerable variability in terms of students, type of distance learning, platforms used and outcome measures. Results In medicine (n=14), self-reported competency and confidence, and demonstrable suturing skills were achieved through participating in remote learning. However, lower levels of knowledge were obtained by students who received virtual or blended learning compared to in-person teaching (low-very low confidence). Using bespoke interactive platforms in undergraduate medical training was superior to standard video (low confidence) or textbook presentations (very low confidence). In dentistry (n=2), remote learning led to knowledge gained (low confidence), but self-reported practical and interpersonal skills were lower with remote rather than in-person learning (very low confidence). In nursing (n=3), remote learning, when compared to in-person, resulted in similar knowledge and self-reported competency levels (very low confidence) pre-COVID, but confidence was higher when learning or assessment was conducted virtually (low confidence). In pharmacy (n=4), virtual learning was associated with higher skills, but lower knowledge compared to in-person, pre-COVID; self-reported competency and confidence scores were similar between the two groups (very low confidence). Conclusions Remote teaching was valued, and learning was achieved, but the comparative effectiveness of virtual versus in-person teaching is less clear. Supplementary alternative or in-person practical sessions may be required post-emergency to address learning needs for some disadvantaged student groups.

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A rapid review of the effectiveness of alternative education delivery strategies in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Dawn F. Edwards

Papers

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

A rapid review of the effectiveness of alternative education delivery strategies in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Life participation: When there is more to life than dialysis