Learning by Doing: Student Experiences in a Mixed Methods Research Course

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to detail the experiential learning processes an 11-week doctoral-level intermediate mixed methods research (MMR) course in which student-researchers conceptualized and implemented MMR study apply theoretical methodological a practical manner. Our aim emphasize value applied for improved student curriculum planning faculty by highlighting meaningful insights on design, data integration, team collaboration, challenges opportunities involved project execution within time-limited academic course. Background: courses are increasingly being integrated into graduate programs, yet few offer or advanced that go beyond introductory topics engage students learning. Furthermore, most articles written from instructor perspective not perspective. Methodology: This article organized each week curriculum, output project, couched reflections process, presented. While grounded reflection learning, itself referred frequently help elucidate capture systematic way. employed explanatory sequential design examine career satisfaction preference changes over time doctoral candidates graduates. Contribution: contributes higher education providing student-led exemplar pedagogy irrespective discipline topic. It provides sample executed start finish with guiding blueprint can be adapted various departments, quarter semester long Findings: Ultimately, led increased confidence preparation conduct interdisciplinary research. Unique research, areas we witnessed growth included developing questions, choosing based these engaging integration. Recommendations Practitioners: We provide following recommendations instructors interested intermediate- advanced-level courses: a) obtain input what they during conceptualization early implementation; b) consider great deal outside classroom may need dedicated class impact feasibility successful course; c) sufficient integration quantitative qualitative inputs. Recommendation Researchers: Researchers further examining proficiency garnered other benefit including as co-researchers. In addition, professor experiences teaching could highlight refinement future Impact Society: Given increasing prevalence funding announcements preferred methodology, it imperative rigorously train researchers at varying levels advancement (i.e., introductory, intermediate, advanced). Future Research: small began highlighted studied graduates clinically oriented fields, such types qualities training mentorship yield more preparedness satisfaction.