Maximising the impact: using REF Case Studies to enhance first-year undergraduates’ appreciation of research integration in their degree

ABSTRACT

Integration of research into undergraduate degree programmes has been shown to have a beneficial effect on student learning, however, integrating activities which help first-year students to feel engage with research activity within their discipline has proved challenging. This study describes the use of Impact Case Studies created for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment in the UK to develop a module for first-year students allowing them to engage with research undertaken at their own institution which has achieved significant impact. Using a mixed methods approach, the module was evaluated using the validated Student Perceptions of Research Integration Questionnaire, together with additional items relating to the design and delivery of the module, and open responses. It was shown that undertaking the module improved students’ perception of research integration, and had raised their awareness of the value of research carried out at their university. They also agreed that they had developed the intended skills and recognised the value of these for both further study and future employment. The value of this approach to increasing student awareness of research, and the transferability of the use of REF Case Studies to other levels of university study are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Research integration
• first year students
• undergraduate
• REF Case Studies
• module design
• skills development
• module evaluation

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr Rebecca Shreeve for developing case study materials and Ms Veronica Volz for support with producing on-line materials.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

The development of the teaching materials was funded by a University Student Education Fellowship;University of Leeds [N/A].