Adding Structure to Unstructured Research Courses

Abstract

In this article, we describe techniques for clarifying goals, improving organization, and evaluating students in research courses that are typically unstructured. We include methods for assisting students in designing experiments, creating evaluation tools, and encouraging and monitoring student progress throughout the course. These techniques motivate students to avoid procrastination and become immediately involved in the research process. The methods are simple, have a wide range of usefulness, and are appropriate for any graduate or undergraduate course with an independent study or seminar format.