Adding Structure to Unstructured Research Courses

Abstract

In this article, we describe techniques for clarifying goals, improving organization, and evaluating students in research courses that are typically unstructured. We include methods for assisting students in designing experiments, creating evaluation tools, and encouraging and monitoring student progress throughout the course. These techniques motivate students to avoid procrastination and become immediately involved in the research process. The methods are simple, have a wide range of usefulness, and are appropriate for any graduate or undergraduate course with an independent study or seminar format.

Faculty Forum

“…In-class lab groups provide research collaboration; peer pressure to motivate work; and frequent feedback, which are benefits of regular research group meetings as described by Horner, Stetter, and McCann (1998). In addition, weekly assignments teach students to tackle large projects in small steps.…”