Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T06:20:25.125Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Stepping around the Brick Wall: Overcoming Student Obstacles in Methods Courses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2009

Angela L. Bos  and
Monica C. Schneider
Angela L. Bos
Affiliation:
College of Wooster
Monica C. Schneider
Affiliation:
Miami University of Ohio
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

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.

Type
The Teacher
Information
PS: Political Science & Politics , Volume 42 , Issue 2 , April 2009 , pp. 375 - 383
Copyright
Copyright © The American Political Science Association 2009

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Andersen, Kristi, and Harsell, Dana Michael. 2005. “Assessing the Impact of a Quantitative Skills Course for Undergraduates.” Journal of Political Science Education 1 (1): 17.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Brandon, Amy, Brown, Mitchell, Lawrence, Christopher, and Van Heerde, Jennifer. 2006. “Teaching Research Methods Track Summary.” PS: Political Science & Politics 39 (3): 535.Google Scholar
Brown, Mitchell, Blankenship, Jeff, and Kramer, Robert. 2007. “The Potential of Embedding Research Methods into Substantive Political Science Courses.” Presented at the American Political Science Association's Teaching and Learning Conference, Charlotte, NC.Google Scholar
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. 2006. “The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.” http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/classifications/.Google Scholar
Cole, Alexandra. 2003. “To Survey or Not to Survey: The Use of Exit Polling as a Teaching Tool.” Political Science and Politics 36 (1): 245–52.Google Scholar
Corrigan, M., Dorey, J., and Swanhart, M.. 2006. “Challenges and Benefits of Executing a Survey Research Project in Political Science Research Methods Courses.” Presented at the American Political Science Association's Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington, D.C.Google Scholar
Highby, Wendy. 2006. “Literature Review and the Library: How to Help Students Make Effective Use of the Library.” Presented at the American Political Science Association's Teaching and Learning Conference, Washington, D.C.Google Scholar
Hill, Kim Quaile. 2002. “The Lamentable State of Science Education in Political Science.” PS: Political Science & Politics 35 (1): 113–16.Google Scholar
Maier, Scott R., and Curtin, Patricia A.. 2005. “Self-Efficacy Theory: A Prescriptive Model for Teaching Research Methods.” Journalism and Mass Communication Editor 59 (4): 352–64.Google Scholar
McKeachie, William. 2005. Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theories for College and University Teachers. 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company College Division.Google Scholar
Selingo, Jeffery. 2003. “What Americans Think About Higher Education.” Chronicle of Higher Education, May 2, A10–16.Google Scholar
Thies, Cameron G., and Hogan, Robert E.. 2005. “The State of Undergraduate Research Methods Training in Political Science.” Political Science and Politics 38 (2): 293–97.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wahlke, John C. 1991. “Liberal Learning and the Political Science Major: A Report to the Profession.” PS: Political Science and Politics 24 (1): 48–60.Google Scholar