![Page 1: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP
TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING
Teaching research methods
![Page 2: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
The problem: research-oriented teaching
Teaching research methods is largely skills teaching, best supported by research-oriented and research-based 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.
![Page 3: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
The project
Part of the module SOC1031, Knowing in Sociology, semester 2 of 2011-12
Sessions run as 5 workshopsEach group receives 1 laptop to share,
seminar leader has one machine in additionStudents 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
![Page 4: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
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 schedule4) Reflecting on/analysing the interview5) Projects and reports: tracing original
reports online and double-checking findings(googling; searching the internet)
![Page 5: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Nothing positive (0)
one positive (3)
two positives (14)
three positives (38)
Evaluation
Via questionnaire and group discussion in workshop 5 Reflection of ML (PI) and two Teaching Assistants
Positive features outweighed negative features of teaching in 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;
![Page 6: A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A TEACHING METHOD THAT COMBINES SMALL GROUP TEACHING WITH USE OF COMPUTERS IN A WORKSHOP SETTING Teaching research methods](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083004/56649dc45503460f94ab6565/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
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?