Co-learning and co-teaching in a newly introduced research learning community

Background

Research clerkships are usually designed as individual learning projects focusing on research skills training, such as research design, data analysis and reporting. When the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an urgent need for digital education, we redesigned a research clerkship with the challenging aim to maintain original quality for more students than usual with limited teaching staff.

Approach

We introduced the concept of a research learning community (RLC) with co-teaching and co-learning to a group of 14 students and seven teaching faculty using digital platforms. Small groups of students participated in the RLC, which was supervised weekly by the teachers. Research experts were continuously involved and led workshops.

Evaluation

Using a qualitative design, we analysed experiences from the perspectives of students and faculty. We performed an inductive thematic content analysis of three focus group interviews and used 14 student reports for triangulation. The results indicate that apart from developing research skills, students valued peer assistance, attention to uncertainty and learning beyond individual research projects. The teachers/research experts reported that co-teaching and co-learning had contributed to their professional development. In terms of organisation, students and faculty recognised that the RLC model allowed for interdisciplinary learning, facilitated by a digital platform.

Implications

To develop students' research skills, embedding a clerkship in an RLC is an attractive alternative to individual research clerkships. The obligatory learning goals are met. Co-learning and co-teaching foster faculty's and students' professional development. When translating to other curricula, we recommend stating common goals in addition to individual objectives.