Linda Freed, director, Office of Grants and Faculty Development
Brain research has shown that hands-on learning provides a rich educational experience. Many scholars in the field of education believe that an environment most conducive to learning is sensory-rich, emotionally engaging and connected to the real world.
The National Survey of Student Engagement reveals that students engaged with faculty view their college experiences as rewarding. A University of Michigan study funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation further supports the importance of hands-on learning. University of Michigan students participating in the institution’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program have lower attrition rates, higher GPAs and more self-confidence than their peers who learn within the confines of a classroom.
Then why, according to a 2002 study, have 47 percent of college students polled on more than 600 campuses never dealt with faculty outside the classroom?
At UW Oshkosh, there are many opportunities for students to apply book knowledge. Our Student/Faculty Collaborative Research program is an excellent way to provide students with hands-on learning. Because the program is competitive and we aren’t able to fund all proposed projects, faculty should consider other collaborative opportunities, such as collaborative work on grant projects.
The pinnacle of collaborative research is when students present their findings at conferences and symposia or through publication in scholarly journals. These are opportunities for young researchers to shine and share their work with colleagues.
Student collaborators will not only learn much about their subjects through hands-on research, they’ll also develop skills, such as project design, analysis and more.
And how will faculty benefit from such collaboration? Imagine the thrill when a mentored student becomes a colleague with whom ideas can be explored. By exploring shared passions, faculty and collaborating students will learn from each other.
