Reviewing the ‘Research Placement’ as a Means of Enhancing Student Learning and Stimulating Research Activity

The links between research and teaching have been the subject of much debate and controversy over the need for both activities to take place in universities remains current. This paper reports on the development and evaluation of a research placement module, which aimed to provide opportunities for students to work as research assistants on small-scale projects. This paper outlines the development of the research placement and reviews staff and student experience of the module. The research placement illustrates the multiple benefits of linking teaching and research in terms of enhancing learning, employability and boosting the research culture.

Keywords

Undergraduate research,
employability,
inquiry-based learning,
independent study,
work-based learning