Student surveys show: student research is worth it.
A panel of Worcester State University faculty and administrators recently discussed the results of a survey of students who have engaged in research.
The results were largely positive. According to Susanna Meyer, Ph.D. (Communication Sciences and Disorders) there are some obstacles – the chief among them, that such projects can consume too much time for both students and faculty. “But you can clearly see from our survey that the benefits outweigh these limitations,” she said.
Dr. Meyer joined Emily Soltano, Ph.D. (Psychology) and Linda Larrivee, Ph.D. (Dean of the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences) discussed the results from a survey of WSU undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members who participated in faculty-student research projects.
The survey showed that the students saw the many benefits that group and independent research had for the WSU academic community, both academically and professionally. Students reported that they developed interpersonal skills, confidence, and an understanding of the need for research in a professional setting. The panelists also pointed out that students who engage in research projects during their undergraduate careers stand a higher chance of being accepted into graduate and higher education programs.
Faculty members who participated in the survey said that they also gain benefits such as becoming motivated to collaborate, increased productivity, mentoring students, and increased prestige and awarded grants.
This panel discussion was the first formal event in the “Scholarship Sharing Series,” organized by Daniel Hunt of Communication and Martin Fromm of History and Political Science, with support and sponsorship from Andrea Bilics and the Center for Teaching and Learning.
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