Using Undergraduate Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Projects to Personalize Teaching

Abstract

A collaborative research project. which was offered as an alternative to traditional undergraduate independent study courses, is discussed. The authors describe the characteristics of traditional independent study courses and how collaborative research efforts differ from them. Such projects provide an in-depth exposure to the topic under study, produce outcomes of a scholarly paper or presentation at a professional meeting, and facilitate authentic interactions between student and teacher. Specific guidelines for establishing a collaborative research project are provided. The authors, a college faculty member and an undergraduate student, outline the benefits of collaborative projects and specific lessons learned from their experiences executing a project.

Key Words:

• personalizing teaching
• collaborative research
• student-faculty partnership
• instructional methods
• mentoring
• independent study

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa A. Burke

Lisa A. Burke is an associate professor at Louisiana State University, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Monica K. Cummins is a graduate of the University of Dayton.