1st Edition
Teaching Research Methods in the Social Sciences
How can excellence in the teaching of research methods be encouraged and ensured? This question has become increasingly important following the adoption of research methodology as a core part of many postgraduate and undergraduate courses. There has, however, been little discussion about the aims and methods of teaching the subject. In this volume; a number of authors from a variety of countries and disciplines employ their knowledge and experience towards the development of a 'pedagogical culture' in research methods. Their aim is to establish the extent of common concerns and challenges and to demonstrate ways in which these are being met. Intended to provide both a stimulus and source materials for the development of a more substantial and systematic literature in the field, the book will be of great interest to all those teaching research methods courses within social science disciplines.
Biography
Mark Garner is Co-ordinator of Linguistics, School of Language and Literature, University of Aberdeen, UK. He was previously Programme Director for Applied Lingusitics at Northumbria University. He has also taught at the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University in Australia. Dr Claire Wagner is Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa Dr Barbara Kawulich is Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership and Professional Studies at the University of West Georgia, USA
'As a first step towards developing a pedagogical culture in research methods this edited book is not only timely for universities (as they embrace a teaching-focused culture, generally), but also for those researchers who are building curricula in research methods with few texts to guide that process. As the chapter authors are drawn from various disciplines world-wide, their examinations of appropriate pedagogical practices and concrete suggestions for effective teaching strategies will be helpful to anyone teaching research methods.' Lisa M. Given, University of Alberta, Canada 'This book is an excellent guide to what works and what does not work when teaching research methods in the social sciences. I will definitely use what I learned reading this volume for designing my next research methods class, both graduate and undergraduate.' Teaching Sociology