Existing Problems in Research Methods Pedagogies
Based on the literature reviewed, there is a limited pedagogic culture in the teaching and learning of Research Methods (Nind & Lewthwaite, 2018). Citing from three pivotal studies (Lewthwaite and Nind, 2016; Kilburn et al., 2014; Earley, 2014), Groessler (2017) pointed out that one of the recommendations relating to the research on teaching Research Methods is to encourage a pedagogic culture (Wagner et al., 2011) through discourse and debate among academics and to share successes and challenges around teaching research methods.
Also, the barriers to Research Methods teaching have been limited by disciplinary boundaries. For example, the study of Wagner, Garner and Kawulich (2011) showed that there have been nine disciplines represented in the literature: education, social work, psychology, political science, geography, criminology, library science, music, and sociology.
Besides that, studies on the pedagogy of Research Methods have also been constrained by methodological boundaries (Wagner, Garner & Kawulich, 2011). From the literature cited, one of the negative issues impacting teaching research is the non-innovative teaching methods. In a recent literature review conducted by Wagner, Garner & Kawulich (2019), it was noted that studies on specific techniques for teaching Research Methods are significant aspects of pedagogical research. Diverse approaches such as problem-based learning, experiential learning and collaborative learning, and having students conduct their projects have the propensity to engage students in learning (Zamorski, 2002; Healey, 2005; Larkin & Pines 2005). Also, Allen & Baughman (2016) emphasized the significance of having activity-based workshops to enhance students' learning in research methods.
In a study conducted by Groessler (2017), common challenges emerged from the change from lecture-based to active and authentic learning strategies. This is reflected in the lack of studies on the teaching strategies used and their effectiveness on students' learning. While the literature posited the shift from a didactic to student-centered learning, there is a lack of empirical studies to verify this slant on Research Methods pedagogy. Earley (2014) mentioned that there is a disconnect of current literature on Research Methods pedagogy as it is limited to the insights from individual instructors, modules, and institutions. The conclusion in Kilburn, Nind and Wiles' (2014) study concluded that although questions on pedagogy were considered, there was a lack of systematic research within a scholarly context.
To foster a pedagogic culture in Research Methods, one of the critical areas is to empower students as partners in the development of effective teaching strategies.