Dual Enrollment Students' Research Attitudes Toward a Research Methods Course

• In Event: 67.056 - Important Issues for Faculty Teaching Educational Research Courses

Abstract

In this study, we examined factors influencing research skill development for dual enrolled high school students by assessing student attitudes toward research after taking an introductory research methods course. We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods case study within a real-life setting, integrating survey and focus group data. Students’ perceptions regarding the course goals and their comfort with research increased after taking the course. Perceived research usefulness decreased slightly, and students’ anxiety and predisposition toward research did not changed after taking the research course. Five qualitative themes emerged: personal acknowledgement, curiosity, research value, communication and experience/exposure. At a time when facts, truths, and fiction are blurred, there is a dire need to develop researchers, and these dual enrollment courses provide that platform.

Authors

• Maria D. Vásquez-Colina, Florida Atlantic University

• Leila Hilal Shatara, Florida Atlantic University

• Tricia Lee Meredith, Florida Atlantic University