A taste of research: Preliminary insights from an undergraduate research training cadetship project in a Western Australian university offering experiences outside the classroom

Authors

Caitlin Fox-Harding, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Kristina Kendall, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Tenielle Porter, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Brianna Fleay, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Shelley Beatty, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Ruth Wallace, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow

Author Identifier

Caitlin Fox-Harding: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7431-9872

Kristina Kendall: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6872-7335

Tenielle Porter: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7887-6622

Shelley Beatty: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8230-9735

Ruth Wallace: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5392-5195

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Title

International Conference on Higher Education Advances

First Page

714

Last Page

723

Publisher

Universitat Politècnica de València.

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

71622

Comments

Fox-Harding, C., Kendall, K., Porter, T., Fleay, B., Beatty, S., & Wallace, R. (2024, June). A taste of research: Preliminary insights from an undergraduate research training cadetship project in a Western Australian university offering experiences outside the classroom. In 10th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd’24) (pp. 18-21). Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd24.2024.17153

Abstract

This paper assessed the impact of a Student Research Cadetship Program aimed at providing undergraduate students with extracurricular research opportunities within the School of Medical & Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University. This preliminary evaluation, comprising two studies, explored the outcomes, benefits, and challenges experienced by students and academic staff. Study 1 analysed outputs from cadetship projects between 2016-2023 (n= 80 students; 42 academics). Notably, cadets contributed to over 60 research outputs, with 30% of cadets transitioning to postgraduate studies following competition of the program. Study 2 focused specifically on the 2023 program, highlighting positive impacts on academic staff and cadets, showcasing improved skills, heightened confidence, and increased career aspirations. Despite challenges in resource allocation, the program has gained traction, offering valuable research experiences for students and enhancing research outputs. The program serves as a model for other disciplines, emphasising the need for sustained institutional commitment and resource allocation.

DOI

10.4995/HEAd24.2024.17153

Creative Commons License

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