TY - JOUR
T1 - Stepping around the brick wall
T2 - Overcoming student obstacles in methods courses
AU - Bos, Angela L.
AU - Schneider, Monica C.
PY - 2009/4
Y1 - 2009/4
N2 - Many political science departments offer, and increasing numbers of them require, undergraduate research methods courses. At the same time, studies cite high levels of student anxiety about such courses. Utilizing survey data from both students who take and faculty who teach methods, we conduct an analysis that compares the barriers students and faculty independently perceive. Next, we share results from our own exploratory assessment technique, which evaluates our success in increasing student confidence with regard to conducting research. Finally, we present specific exercises and assignments which can serve as solutions to student barriers. We argue that conscious reflection as to where students lack confidence and assessment of our efforts allows instructors to approach teaching methods more effectively.
AB - Many political science departments offer, and increasing numbers of them require, undergraduate research methods courses. At the same time, studies cite high levels of student anxiety about such courses. Utilizing survey data from both students who take and faculty who teach methods, we conduct an analysis that compares the barriers students and faculty independently perceive. Next, we share results from our own exploratory assessment technique, which evaluates our success in increasing student confidence with regard to conducting research. Finally, we present specific exercises and assignments which can serve as solutions to student barriers. We argue that conscious reflection as to where students lack confidence and assessment of our efforts allows instructors to approach teaching methods more effectively.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68349106774&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S1049096509090519
DO - 10.1017/S1049096509090519
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:68349106774
SN - 1049-0965
VL - 42
SP - 375
EP - 383
JO - PS - Political Science and Politics
JF - PS - Political Science and Politics
IS - 2
ER -