Academics ’ conceptualisations of the research-teaching nexus in a research-intensive Irish university: A dynamic framework for growth & amp; development

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017 Source:Learning and Instruction Author(s): Lorraine Brennan, Tara Cusack, Eamonn Delahunt, Sharron Kuznesof, Suzanne Donnelly The interdependent relationship between research and teaching is at the heart of research-intensive universities. In the present study, an initial electronic quantitative survey was undertaken following which, we performed 28 in-depth, semi-structured interviews amongst a cross-section of faculty in a research intensive Irish university to capture how faculty conceptualise the relationship between research and teaching. Our qualitative analysis revealed a dynamic framework with three interacting phases: 1) teaching is enhanced by research 2) learning research skills and competencies; and 3) student engagement with research practice. These themes contribute to the development of the student as a researcher and the implicit vision of the research-intensive university as a ‘community of scholars’ where teaching enhances research and research enhances teaching. The perceived benefits of teaching on research provides a new insight into the research and teaching nexus from which the opportunity exists to foster these approaches and develop institutional policy to grow and sustain the research-teaching interactions.
Source: Learning and Instruction - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research