Students' Perceptions of Knowledge Gained from Business Research Methods Course

• Main Authors: Al-Hashimi, Mukhtar, Al-Sartawi, Abdalmuttaleb M A Musleh, Razzaque, Anjum, Reda Reyad, Sameh M, Hamdan, Allam
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: College students; Creative Teaching; Data Analysis; Distance learning; Educational research; GNP; Gross National Product; Higher education; Learning; Learning Processes; Pedagogy; Perceptions; Professional development; Research methodology; Science; Social sciences; Sociology; Student attitudes; Studies; Teaching methods; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 2049-0968; 2049-0976
• DOI: 10.34190/RM.19.011

In recent years, universities have been emphasizing the embedding of research activities and courses within their undergraduate programs, leading to better student employability. Research methods courses are equally important for all students, even those graduates who are not planning to conduct research in the future, because they still require making informed decisions regarding research findings as part of their professional development. Consequently most degree programmes now contain a research methodology component. However, according to research pioneers, students' perceptions of what research is, how it is carried out, and for what purpose, are the filters through which students are initially likely to perceive and, accordingly, engage both the context and the content of research. The main aim of the current study is to explore the perceptions of students towards research methods courses to facilitate the teaching/learning process and improve the interaction between instructors and students in ways that are meaningful to their own professional lives. This study contributes to the underline the best practice in teaching research methods relevant to the regional environment leading to higher student's employability. Additionally, student perceptions are indicative of the cultural background of a country, thus, being able to reorient the cultural beliefs around educational research would enhance learning engagements within the contexts of the study. 133 responds were received through SurveyMonkey. The findings revealed that though students are satisfied with the pedagogical teaching methods of the research methods course, they are not confident in becoming researchers or innovators. Accordingly, the study recommends to re-assess the research methodology courses from the point of view of employability; hence, allowing the course to be taught by those academic scholars who have substantial research experience. Moreover, it is recommended that the course should be taught in sequels since there is ample opportunity for students to learn from each level of research.