Preparing students for their independent research project through a blended project-based learning approach

As module leaders for SPRT2065 Creating Successful Research and SPRT2063 Advanced Scientific Principles in Teaching and Coaching, Dr. Christian Edwards (CE) and Richard Pepperell (RP) have worked in collaboration to better prepare students on BSc PE and Sports Coaching Science pathways for their Independent Research Project (IRP). These modules are delivered using a blend of 1-hour online sessions and 3-hour carousel practical and seminar sessions. Feedback from current level 6 PE and Coaching students suggested that more guidance and preparation was required at level 5 to give students the skills and experiences necessary to be confident and successful in the IRP. CE and RP designed a scaffolded a blended learning programme that begins in level 5 semester 1 in SPRT2065, where students become familiar with qualitative research study processes. Students submit an ethics form, conduct interviews and questionnaires and conduct thematic analyses. The newly designed assessment 002 for SPRT2063, ensures that this knowledge is further developed using a group project-based learning (PBL) approach to a quantitative research project. Through this, students have worked collaboratively to solve a problem from sports performance, using methods from sport science. Once again students submit an ethics form, consider ‘the problem’ from the viewpoint of a physiologist, biomechanist and psychologist, collect, handle, and analyse participant data and then discuss the implications of their findings. Early feedback from Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings and module evaluations suggest that students are more confident regarding their IRP.