Shepherding Award-winning Research Papers: It Can Even Be Accomplished in an Introductory Course

• In Event: 2122 - Workshop on Taking Introduction to Sociology to the Next Level

Abstract

Susan Palmer is Washington State’s 2018 recipient of the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Having taught at the Aspen Award-winning Walla Walla Community College for 20 years, she has successfully honed the use of “scaffolding” in Introduction to Sociology classes that yield awarding-winning research papers by first- and second-year undergraduate students.

Scaffolding is widely used across the curriculum for writing projects. The term “scaffolding” was coined by psychologist Vygotsky to describe the process of introducing new skills to learners until they master the skills independently. Most introductory sociology students are unfamiliar with peer-reviewed scholarly research articles, how to read (and not read) them, and how to synthesize the key points or findings into their own paraphrased literature reviews. Introducing a multi-step scaffolding approach assists even the most timid students to build confidence.

Ten years ago the annual Neil M. Palmer Outstanding Research Paper Award was launched (in memory of the late sociologist and father of Susan Palmer) as an additional incentive for student success. Students who earn a score of 95 or better (out of 100) are automatically nominated for the award. Each spring, an independent committee of academic faculty members review the nominated papers and select the single most outstanding. The winning student receives a no-strings-attached award of $500. The Foundation Office at any college could help implement a similar award at your institution.

This presentation provides a detailed description of the multiple scaffolding steps used to build a successful, even award-winning, undergraduate research paper. Participants in the workshop will receive packets that include descriptions of the scaffolding steps and samples of award-winning papers.

Author

• Susan Palmer, Walla Walla Community College