MANAGING THE TRANSITION: DEVELOPING RESEARCH CONCEPTS AND SKILLS WITH NON- TRADITIONAL POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

In 1995, in keeping with nation-wide trends in Australian universities, the Department of Education at Victoria University of Technology became proactive in seeking enrolments of students from diverse non-traditional backgrounds in postgraduate research programs. Many students who enrolled did not possess the usual background experience in research methodology, either in the form of a formal course of study or previous research experience, but were accepted because they were able to demonstrate capabilities in related activities which indicated their aptitude for studying for a research degree. To assist these students in making the transition into research culture, a weekly discussion group, additional to the normal supervisory arrangements, was convened. A range of issues, including research philosophies, project conceptualisation, methodology selection, personal challenges and administrative procedures, were discussed. As a consequence of the enthusiasm shown by the initial participants for this activity, students and staff from other departments and faculties joined the sessions. In second semester 1996, a formal evaluation of the activity was conducted. The organiser sought to determine the contribution of the discussions to the students’ academic development, and to the fostering of a research culture amongst the participants. The findings indicate that the opportunity for students to speak in a diverse group to resolve project dilemmas as well as to showcase their own work, made a significant contribution to the development of broader understandings of the research process as well as stimulating deeper learning about specific aspects of research design, methodology and analysis.