Teaching Note—Student Satisfaction With an Integrative Research Learning Environment

ABSTRACT

The Social Work integrative Research Lab (SWiRL) provides opportunities for undergraduate students to engage meaningfully with research and allows graduate students to develop mentoring skills. We conducted a survey of alumni (N=20) to learn whether: a) alumni endorsed the benefits of participation and b) SWiRL experiences contributed to professional development. We also conducted a social network analysis (N=16) of current participants to explore community dynamics. The data supported our assertions that participation in SWiRL helped establish the value of research and fostered both leadership development and community. Satisfied alumni were diverse and reported acquiring skills beyond research, including career and identity development. Many of the study participants reported using their skills in their current jobs.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

JoAnn S. Lee

JoAnn S. Lee is associate professor at George Mason University. Maya Mohindroo is a graduate research supervisor at George Mason University. Eric Waithaka is assistant professor at George Mason University. Ellen Carlson is an undergraduate research assistant at George Mason University. Jonea Ahouissoussi is graduate research supervisor at George Mason University. Sara Alhassani is undergraduate research assistant at George Mason University. Kendall Barrett is graduate research supervisor at George Mason University. Maxine Eber is graduate research supervisor at George Mason University. McKenzie Lauber is undergraduate research assistant at George Mason University. Emily S. Ihara is associate professor at George Mason University.