Learning and teaching of research methods at university

Murtonen, Mari; Rautopuro, Juhani; Väisänen, Pertti
978-952-5401-30-1; 1458-1094
Finnish Educational Research Association / Suomen kasvatustieteellinen seura
Research in educational sciences / Kasvatusalan tutkimuksia (30)
2007

The teaching and learning of research methods at universities is now more topical than ever before. The teachers of research methods argue for better teaching methods in their subject. Big questions about teaching arise, such as, how research methods are learnt and how learning could be helped? Should qualitative and quantitative methods be taught separately or should they be mixed or combined? Should theory be taught first, or is practice needed first to understand theory? Metaphorically, should we choose between Greek mythology’s Scylla, the six-headed sea monster who delivers knowledge to the students or the whirlpool Charybdis, who drowns the students in a practical situation without any prior knowledge of the issue at hand?

This book guides the readers along a complex but fascinating journey connected to profound topics related to research learning and teaching. It offers interesting reading for both the professional researcher and the university teacher of research methods and all those interested in developing research education.