Teaching and research: Student perspectives and policy implications

Abstract

Previous research on the vital but vexed relationship between teaching and research is reviewed and criticised for an overemphasis on correlational studies and for largely neglecting student perspectives on staff research. We present a research study on this issue using focus groups of undergraduate students from a range of disciplines in one institution. Students perceived clear benefits from staff research, including staff enthusiasm and the credibility of staff and their institution. Students did perceive disadvantages from staff involvement in research, particularly staff availability to students—while a central conclusion was that students did not perceive themselves as stakeholders in staff research. We conclude that many of these perceived disadvantages could be resolved by the effective management of research by individuals, departments, institutions and funding bodies. We conclude with a range of policy suggestions as to how staff research could be better managed to the advantage of students.

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