International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Volume 5, Number 1, January 2011

Return to current issues page Return to current issues page

Research Article

Excerpt

Engineering Research Teams: The Role of Social Networks in the Formation of Research Skills for Postgraduate Students

This study explores learner experiences regarding skills acquisition of a cohort of engineering doctoral students enrolled in a New Zealand university. Employing a qualitative methodology, we interviewed 28 PhD students about the range of experiences and exchanges that comprised their pathways to skill acquisition. Students reported that research projects with application enabled the development of "real world problem solving" by drawing on bonding and bridging network ties. Indeed, informal structures and disciplinary norms operating...

Read full article - Adobe Acrobat FileView Full Article

Bios

Kaylene Sampson
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
kaylene.sampson@canterbury.ac.nz

I am a researcher in the University of Canterbury's academic staff development unit. I use a variety of methodological approaches to assess the student academic experience at this university. I work closely with academic staff developers as we draw upon the research of our own unit and the SoTL community to improve the teaching and learning environment. This involves work both directly with staff as well as more indirectly through contributions to policy formation and debate. I commenced in this position following the completion of my MA in the field of rural/environmental sociology. My current interests include the postgraduate student experience, with particular reference to the social and cultural aspects that shape particular disciplinary practices


Keith Comer
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
keith.comer@canterbury.ac.nz

I am a Senior Lecturer in the University of Canterbury's Academic Development Group, which operates from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Our unit provides a range of academic development support and services and conducts institutional research targeted towards improving teaching and learning and the student experience at university. Following early career work in English studies and technology-enhanced teaching, I am currently engaged in a range of SoTL projects. These endeavours involve academic writing, student engagement, postgraduate supervision, and blended/flexible learning. Besides teaching in Sweden, the United States and now New Zealand, my research includes publications in teaching and learning studies as well as English disciplinary scholarship


Return to current issues page Return to current issues page

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning is a publication of the Center for Excellence in Teaching at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA.