Student Research

The student research programme at Beauchamp offers all students the opportunity to become involved in research. The programme requires the student to undertake a research project, preferably in some way linked to their life at college, for example how to improve an aspect of the college environment or particular learning and teaching styles and their effect on achievement.

All students who join the programme initially attend a day long seminar, which consists of a variety of lectures from University Lecturers. These lectures are tailored to the interests of our students and cover issues such as research methodologies and research best practice, so it is a great opportunity for the students to gain an insight into the realities of professional research.

Students who join the programme can choose to work alone or as part of a team and are allocated a staff mentor who should be there to support and guide them throughout the process. David Middlewood, Researcher in Residence at Beauchamp, is also on hand to give advice and support to students undertaking research at the college. Lunchtime meetings with David, mentors and students are also arranged periodically in order to share ideas and review progress.

Students are invited to present their recommendations to the college leadership team once their data is collected and analysed. As students frequently tackle these projects from a different perspective to staff, their observations are of particular interest and regularly student proposals are both innovative and thought provoking. Students are also expected to submit an article on their research topic to the publication Professional Learning Matters which is published each term.

The Student Voice at Beauchamp is an important part of the culture it is therefore an important aim of the college to implement recommendations put forward, which ultimately can be utilised to transform the learning environment not only for the students but by the students.

There are currently 30 students participating in the programme and it is hoped that the experience will not only increase their engagement and attainment but also give them the opportunity to take the knowledge and skills which they have acquired forward to the next stage of their learning.

If you are a student and are interested in the Student Research Programme or would like to find out more about it then contact Anne Pennington, Student Research Co-ordinator at 0116 2729100 or e-mail ap@beauchamp.org.uk