Integration of an Experiential Learning Component into a Dissertation Writing Course for Social Sciences

Abstract

An experiential learning component is integrated into a 6-credit English-in-the-discipline course titled ‘Dissertation writing for Social Sciences’ to transform students’ research writing experience. In response to students’ feedback about the difficulty of using imaginary data to write a research report after the first trial of the course (launched in 2014-15), a collaborative project involving students of Chung-Ang University in Korea and our university is introduced this coming semester to provide our students with a real research experience. The team building activities at the start of the project include a visit to an NGO/social enterprise and a guest seminar, after which students of the two universities will identify and discuss research topics in teams through face-to-face and/or online discussions. Data will be collected through actual site visits and other online research tools. Half way through the project students will present their research plan for peer critique. At the end of the project students are expected to write a research paper based on the data collected. Students’ perceptions of the project effectiveness will be elicited through a post-course evaluation survey.

Deliverables