SFR Paper

Teaching Students to Speak Fluent "Research"

Authors: Thomas Brinthaupt & Priya Ananth

Abstract

There are many challenges to teaching and learning research methods in higher education. In this paper, we address these challenges by exploring the parallels between learning a new or foreign language and learning to speak “research.” We propose that teaching beginning-level research methods is in many ways analogous to teaching students how to learn a new language. We highlight the similarities between foreign and research language learning by emphasizing the ways that teachers can enhance their students’ research fluency and proficiency. Our recommendations for teaching research methods include learning the vocabulary, speaking with other language learners, communicating formally in the new language, evaluating research fluency and proficiency, and creating and maintaining a “learning a new language” theme. Informed by the pedagogical practices found in the field of foreign language teaching and learning, this paper provides a new approach to engaging students in research methods courses.

Brinthaupt, T. M., & Ananth, P. (2018). Teaching students to speak fluent “research”. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4(4), 258-270. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/stl0000128

To request a copy of the paper, contact an author:

Thomas Brinthaupt: Tom.Brinthaupt@mtsu.edu

Priya Ananth: Priya.Ananth@mtsu.edu

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