Engaging students as partners and outreach scientists in field-based research: The pedagogical potential of changing the power balance between students and academics

Abstract:

Participating in authentic field-based research is an effective way of helping students develop a deeper understanding of theories and methodologies in earth sciences. However, professors and academics are generally in charge of the design of field-based activities and the roles played by the students in field research programs. In this presentation, I will discuss the pedagogical potential and impact of engaging students as i) genuine research partners, and ii) outreach scientists in field-based investigations. As research partners, students are given the opportunity to discuss and even influence the experimental design and acquisition of field data in research consortia. As outreach scientists, students engage their audience with their own inquiry-based fieldwork. I will use examples from a major geophysical research consortium and a community-based archaeological-geophysical project to illustrate these pedagogical approaches that involve changing the power balance between students and academics. The benefits to both the students and academics will be discussed.