So, Nelson (2001) claimed that there is often a disconnect between the expectations an instructor has for a research assignment and the expecations--or realities, results, etc.--that students have. In fact, she said "many teachers and researchers attach very high hopes and goals to the research paper assignment" (3).
This is such a true statement. Many Ts & Rs do have high hopes, and they often watch these hopes die painfully.
Based on your experiences, why do the expectations and/or realities clash?
Or, how about this: what values should be placed on the "research paper?" (Pick a point of view.)
1 comment:
Sometimes I think that students should look at a research paper like writing an essay. Both are pretty much the same thing—the only difference is the length of the paper and the number of sources.
For a college essay, teachers typically ask for 3-5 pages and at least 3 outside sources. For a research paper at least ours, the requirements are at least 4000 words, at least 5 outsides sources, interview, survey, and observation results.
Thus, students should place the same values as they do for an essay. I think the disconnect comes when a student hears “research paper.” When writing an essay, a teacher can see their voice in the paper, explaining the topic and backing their opinion with outside information. It is the same with a paper, but since the teacher said “research paper,” most students tend to freak out. For the paper, you have to pick a topic, and back up your opinion with information. The only additional requirement is that you have to state what your research proved, so in my opinion the research paper is a fusion of a science project and an essay.
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