Research Methods as Experiential Learning

• In Event: Methods: Innovative, Experiential, and Student-Centered Approaches to Teaching Undergraduate Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Abstract

With so many different approaches to social scientific research and thus so much material to cover, instruction in research methods can sometimes become static. In reflecting on my own learning and teaching, I decided to overhaul research methods to conceptualize classroom and campus beyond as a social scientific laboratory. In approaching methods instruction this way, I asked students to try, engage, and experience doing research. This fundamentally shifted many students’ attitude towards research, demystifying the process, empowering students in their capabilities to engage in research, and making it fun. In this session, specific assignments, example submissions, and overall student feedback from this approach to teaching methods as experiential learning will be detailed.

Author

• Tess Starman, Simpson College