A. Debowski (2006)Learning through undergraduate research: Encouraging a holistic approach to the teaching-research nexus #2

Short summary of the scope and focus in the article:

This paper examines one model which encourages undergraduate student research. It explored the advantages of, and challenges posed by a parliamentary internship program offered at Melbourne, Monash and Victoria Universities, where undergraduate students gain firsthand experience of conducting an original research.

Quote a statement that summarizes what the author claims they contribute to the field.

It argues that students may strongly benefit from the linking of teaching and research in an undergraduate setting. Holistic undergraduate programs offer significant long-term benefits to the institution and students.

In your own words, compare the results/arguments presented in the article with the authors’ claim(s) you identified in question 1.

Based on the benefits and also challenges posed by students and also the institutional challenges I think having research-based teaching for undergraduate level students is not that beneficial. And this will take a lot of time and money for the university and also the educational system and the outcome would not be in the expected range. As it is mentioned in the paper it would be good to have a course of research for students before asking them or putting them into the research course program.

Is the argument that the authors provide solid enough based on the evidence and/or theoretical considerations to convince you of their claim(s)?

No not that much of a solid evidence.

What is missing in the article?

This was performed for the undergraduate students for a limited number of them and also it was done for half semester and the outcome was not convincing. Even by listing the challenges it appeared that it is not useful for the undegraded level.

What was most interesting for you?

The work that was performed was interesting and the outcome is useful. It might not prove that it is working but it might prove research base teaching is not that helpful for undergrade students.

How does this article relate to your own teaching?

Not related

What can you learn from it?

That research-based teaching is not working for the undergraduates’ level (as I am in the engineering field of study it will not helpful for undergraduates) however it will be a good start for postgrad students.