Learning strategies and undergraduate research

Abstract

Undergraduate students often lack the skills necessary to conduct independent research. In order to improve students' skills in research, the Computer Science department at the University of Mary Washington has designed and offered a course in research methods. The course teaches students about learning strategies that they can apply across the computing discipline and beyond. This paper describes the process that was used to create a new research methods course, the details related to the first offering of the course, and findings on how the course changed students' perception of research.

Teaching Undergraduate Research in Human Development and Family Studies: Piloting a Collaborative Method

“…However, the scope and nature of students' research experiences will likely vary because of the types of activities and assignments comprising such a course. Developing and writing research proposals has been part of research courses in computer science (Polack-Wahl & Anewalt, 2006) and nursing (Dobratz, 2003;Harrison, Lowery, & Bailey, 1991). Critics may assert that data collection is important to understanding the research process, but writing research proposals can provide experiences and Family Science Review, Volume 20, Issue 1, 2015 ©2015 by The Family Science Association.…”

Restructuring of System Analysis and Design Course with Agile Approach for Computer Engineering/Programming Departments

“…Finishing and research projects are realistic and beneficial for students. It also emphasizes the balance between product and process [1], [2]. Trainees recommend real industry projects to prepare students for industry and improve their implementation skills.…”

“…Agile development methods have roots in design and development that are based on repeating, increasingly decades before [2]. The 1970s and 1980s included various forms of agile development with modern methods emerging in the 1990s.…”

Authentic computer science undergraduate research experience through computational science and research ownership

“…Research in computer science, on the other hand, normally requires deep knowledge of the concepts being studied and familiarity with the state-of-the-art literature [30], making it more difficult for an undergraduate student to make a contribution.…”