Undergraduate research perceptions and experiences : a New Zealand study / Doreen Vikashni Chandra.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chandra, Doreen V., author.

Series:

University Teaching and Faculty Development

University teaching and faculty development

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Education, Higher--Research.

Education, Higher.

Universities and colleges. .

Physical Description:

1 online resource (274 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Nova Science Publishers, [2023]

Summary:

Are universities producing graduates that are employable and possess the required knowledge, skills, and attributes to be lifelong learners and global citizens? Research into graduate outcomes through undergraduate research is a little over two decades old and there is much-needed research and development by universities in improving the graduate profile outcomes for undergraduate students so that graduates are ready for the changing future career demands as well as participation in postgraduate studies by research. This book investigates undergraduate students' perceptions and experiences of research in their programmes of study. It offers a conceptual framework for understanding undergraduate students' research learning experiences in New Zealand and suggests good research teaching and learning practices for universities that aim to support undergraduate students' confidence and competence in research. It is time to call for a re-contextualization of undergraduate research teaching and learning in New Zealand research universities by re-negotiating the balance between the value of research and the value of employability skills and its impact on future graduates, preparation, and readiness for higher education and employability. The refocus on undergraduate research in New Zealand by universities and higher education institutions is pivotal and should be actioned with urgency. This resource is designed to inform: the strategic direction for universities in Australasia when enhancing undergraduate research in the present state; for government policy decisions on university funding; standard-setting bodies on qualification standards; for researchers and academics on student expectations for the teaching of research in undergraduate programmes.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Preface

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1. Introduction to the Study

1.2. Background and Rationale

1.3. Statement of the Problem

1.4. Purpose Statement

1.5. Research Questions

1.6. Research Strategy

1.7. Context of the Study

1.8. Autobiographical Note

1.9. Definition of Key Terms

1.9.1. URE

1.9.2. Research

1.9.3. Research Processes

1.9.4. Graduate Outcomes (GOs)

1.9.5. STEM Fields

1.9.6. IBL

1.10. Structure of This Book

Chapter 2

Selective Literature Review

Overview

2.1. Literature Search Process

2.2. Theoretical Perspectives

2.3. Re-Thinking the Teaching-Research Nexus in Undergraduate Studies

2.4. Types of Undergraduate Research

2.5. Gains from Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs)

2.6. Influences of Undergraduate Research Experiences on Student Engagement

2.7. Perceptions of Undergraduate Research

2.8. Views on the Impact of Undergraduate Research Experiences

2.9. Contribution of This Study to the Literature

2.10. Summary of the Key Literature

Chapter 3

Methods

3.1. Purpose of This Research

3.2. Research Paradigm

3.3. Mixed Methods Approach

3.4. Grounded Theory

3.5. Setting and Participants

3.6. The Selection of Academics

3.7. Determining the Sample Size for the Survey

3.8. Data Collection

3.9. Stratified Random Sampling Method

3.10. Data Creation Summary

3.11. Semi-Structured Interviews

3.12. Focus Groups

3.13. Emailed Interviews

3.14. Data Analysis

3.14.1. Quantitative

3.14.2. Qualitative

3.15. Trustworthiness of the Study

3.16. Ethics

3.16.1. No Harm to Participants

3.16.2. Deception

3.16.3. Informed Consent

3.16.4. Conflict of Role

3.16.5. Confidentiality

3.16.6. Cultural Sensitivity

3.17. Researcher Positionality.

3.18. Summary

Chapter 4

Quantitative Findings

4.1. Main Questionnaire

4.1.1. Sample Characteristics

4.1.2. Overall Ratings

4.1.2.1. Research Experience

4.1.2.2. Self-Efficacy and Attitude towards Research

4.1.2.3. Gains from Research

4.1.3. Differences between Faculties

4.1.3.1. Research Experiences

4.1.3.2. Prior Research Experience

4.1.3.3. Self-Efficacy and Attitude

4.1.3.4. Attitude towards Research Measured by Frustration

4.1.3.5. Gains from Research

4.1.3.6. Gains in Self-Confidence to Do Research

4.1.3.7. Gains in Confidence to Be a Researcher

4.1.4. Interrelationships between Variables

4.1.5. Partial Correlations between Variables

4.1.5.1. Research Experience

4.1.6. Multiple Regression Analyses

4.1.6.1. Research Experience

4.1.6.2. Self-Efficacy and Attitude

4.1.6.3. Gains from Research

4.2. Follow-up Questionnaire

4.2.1. Sample Characteristics

4.2.2. Overall Ratings

4.2.2.1. Research Experience

4.2.2.2. Self-Efficacy and Attitude towards Research

4.2.2.3. Self-Efficacy and Confidence

4.2.2.4. Gains from Research

4.2.3. Interrelationships between Variables

4.2.4. Partial Correlations between Variables

4.2.5. Multiple Regression Analyses

4.2.5.1. Research Experience

4.2.5.2. Self-Efficacy and Attitude

4.2.5.3. Gains from Research

4.3. Examples of Students' Definition of Research

4.3.1. Business

4.3.2. Indigenous Development

4.3.3. Education

4.3.4. Technology

4.3.5. Health

4.3.6. Similarities and Differences in the Definitions

4.4. Summary

Chapter 5

Qualitative Findings

5.1. Interviews and Focus Group Discussion Data

5.2. Theme 1: Inquiry Based Learning

5.2.1. Active Learning Strategies

5.2.2. Visual Learning Methods

5.2.3. Research Learning Community.

5.2.3.1. Theme 1 Summary

5.3. Theme 2: Teaching and Learning Practices That Promote and/or Hinder Learning

5.3.1. Challenging Research Learning Practices and Processes

5.3.2. Preferred Research Learning Practices &amp

Processes

5.3.2.1. Theme 2 Summary

5.4. Theme 3: Students' Perceptions on the Benefits of Undergraduate Research

5.4.1. Personal and Professional Development

5.4.2. Value of Research

5.4.2.1. Theme 3 Summary

5.5. Theme 4: Issues Affecting Undergraduate Research Learning

5.5.1. Attitude towards Research

5.5.2. Institutionalised Barriers to Learning of Research

5.5.2.1. Theme 4 Summary

5.6. Theme 5: New Zealand Students' Expectations of Undergraduate Research Learning

5.6.1. UG Research Awareness

5.6.2. Building Confidence

5.6.3. Student Engagement

5.6.3.1. Theme 5 Summary

5.7. Summary of the Key Qualitative Findings

5.8. Responses by University Academics

5.8.1. Overall University Perception on UG Research

5.8.2. Faculty Perception on UG Research

5.8.3. University Academics' Excerpts from Interviews

5.8.4. Summary Perceptions of the University Academics

Chapter 6

Discussion

6.1. Discussion of the Findings

6.2. Inquiry-Based Learning

6.3. Teaching and Learning Practices That Promote and/or Hinder Learning

6.4. Students' Perceptions on the Benefits of Undergraduate Research

6.4.1. Personal Benefits

6.4.2. Professional Benefits

6.5. Issues Affecting Undergraduate Research Learning

6.6. Students' Expectations for Undergraduate Research Learning

6.7. Students' Perceptions of Undergraduate Research

6.7.1. Relationship between Research Experience, Self-Efficacy, Attitude, and Gains from Research

6.8. Review of the Research Objectives

6.9. Review of the Methodology

6.10. Limitations

Conclusion

Chapter 7.

Concluding Remarks

7.1. Contributions

7.2. Implications

7.3. Recommendations for Future Research

Acknowledgements

References

Appendices

Appendix 1: Questionnaire

Research Title: Undergraduate Students' Perceptions and Experiences of Research in a New Zealand Research University (Researcher: Doreen Vikashni Chandra)

Appendix 2: Interview Questions

Appendix 3: Focus Group Questions

Appendix 4: Lecturer Interview Questions

Appendix 5: Background Information on the Interview and Focus Group Participants

Appendix 6: Participating University Academics Background Information

Index

Author's Contact Information

Blank Page.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Chandra, Doreen V. Undergraduate Research Perceptions and Experiences: a New Zealand Study

ISBN:

9798886975406