3 Ways To Involve Students in Research

When students delve into research, they gain a deeper understanding of their work and reinforce their passion for it. From introductory courses to graduate-level studies, research helps students improve their analytical skills, forge connections, and gain a sense of professional independence that will aid them throughout their careers. Help young minds grow with these three ways to involve students in research.

Promote Reading Beyond the Course

Reading lists are a vital part of any course, but your students’ reading lists should extend beyond what you assign them. Of course, their busy schedules and limited free time can make this difficult. However, the more you encourage independent reading, the more you encourage independent learning about the subject. Offer recommendations based on what seems to spark each student’s interests. You can also incorporate independent reading into your coursework with research projects or papers that allow students to choose their own subject.

Share Your Own Research

One of the best ways to involve students in research is to lead by example. When your students learn more about your own research, you help introduce them to the possibilities they can pursue on their own. Don’t be afraid to discuss and expand upon your research with interested students. This also creates a learning environment that is rich in discussion and opportunity.

Encourage and Promote Student Work

Be sure to give students plenty of chances to hone their research skills and even step out of their comfort zones. Student research conferences, publications, and other opportunities through the department or through close connections offer great encouragement for young researchers to branch out on their own. These outlets will be a crucial part of your students’ research throughout their entire careers. Help them get a head start by guiding them toward these opportunities early.

It is important for professors and universities to set students up with the tools they need for success. With a constructive learning environment, plenty of professional encouragement, and a reliable engineering science notebook, your students have a solid foundation to make their own discoveries in the classroom and beyond.