Title
Research methods in computing: what are they, and how should we teach them?
Abstract
Despite a lack of consensus on the nature of Computing Research Methods (CRM), a growing number of programs are exploring models and content for CRM courses. This report is one step in a participatory design process to develop a general framework for thinking about and teaching CRM.We introduce a novel sense-making structure for teaching CRM. That structure consists of a road map to the CRM literature, a framework grounded in questions rather than answers, and two CRM skill sets: core skills and specific skills. We integrate our structure with a model for the process a learner goes through on the way to becoming an expert computing researcher and offer example learning activities that represent a growing repository of course materials meant to aid those wishing to teach research skills to computing students.Our model is designed to ground discussion of teaching CRM and to serve as a roadmap for institutions, faculty, students and research communities addressing the transition from student to fully enfranchised member of a computing research community of practice. To that end, we offer several possible scenarios for using our model.In computing, research methods have traditionally been passed from advisor to student via apprenticeship. Establishing a richer pedagogy for training researchers in computing will benefit all (see Figure 1).
Year
DOI
Venue
2006
10.1145/1189215.1189180
SIGCSE Bulletin
Keywords
Field
DocType
situated learning,research methods,constructivism,pedagogy
Constructivism (philosophy of education),Apprenticeship,Participatory design,Computer science,Road map,Knowledge management,Community of practice,Situated learning,Course materials
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
38
4
0097-8418
ISBN
Citations 
PageRank 
1-59593-603-3
14
1.24
References 
Authors
62
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Hilary J. Holz1246.24
Anne Gates Applin2233.85
Bruria Haberman319828.95
Donald Joyce4409.32
Helen C. Purchase5138995.23
Catherine Reed6151.66