Teaching Research Methods

Abstract

As a result of the Bologna Process the curricula of many study programs in Europe have been revised throughout the last years. The process not only aims to implement a standardization of the different study programs, but also to increase the importance of methodical training for students in political science. However, methods can be complicated to teach and learn. A lot of students do not initially chose political science to receive training in the field of methods and methodology. Although a required course in most curriculums, method course can not only be perceived as a burden by the students, but also by the lecturer who has to motivate her/his students for this topic. How this could be successfully done, is the main topic of this panel. Therefore this panel aims to collect best practices and innovative approaches from teaching political science methods. To acknowledge the importance of accomplished forms in methodology training, the panel looks for papers that may present examples of, e.g. problem based approaches in teaching methods, or experience from seminars that go beyond the (common) approaches of frontal and lecturer centered teaching. Experiences and reflections of method and methodology course from all levels of teaching are welcome.