Capacity Building in Research-Informed Teaching and Learning through a Community of Practice

Engaging undergraduate students in research has proven to be an effective pedagogical approach that fosters active learning and authentic assessment. Through the research process, students gain an appreciation for how knowledge within their discipline is developed. However, there remains to be a need for teachers in the higher educational sector who have sufficient experience in engaging students in course-based research. Moreover, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the benefits of research-informed teaching and learning pedagogies in the non-science disciplines.

Funding was secured to form a Community of Practice (CoP) titled “Building a Community of Practice in Research-Informed Teaching and Learning”. This CoP consists of an initial group of thirteen faculty members and three senior year PhD students from four higher education institutions in Australia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The project aims to enhance research-informed teaching and learning in non-science disciplines, specifically in social sciences, business, and communication, while also deepening the community’s knowledge and expertise in designing and implementing assignments and projects with research elements.

This Community of Practice is unique in two respects. First, it aims to promote undergraduate course-based research. Second, it engages senior and junior academic/teaching members and PhD students from the communication, social sciences, and business disciplines. The group will meet three to four times per semester over the course of a year to develop assignments with research elements using different research methodologies, share teaching experiences, and evaluate students’ learning outcomes as well as their impact on student engagement. Twelve CoP members have pledged to design and implement an assignment that incorporates research elements in the 2024/25 academic year, contingent upon prevailing conditions. Meetings are scheduled on Saturday mornings, allowing for both online and face-to-face participation. Three meetings were conducted to discuss assignments with research elements using qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as secondary data analysis. During these meetings, CoP members shared assignments and discussed strategies for improvement. The group also explored variables related to the research system and culture, such as ethical clearance procedures, student research panels, and the use of generative AI in teaching and learning