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The generic-discipline dilemma: learning advising in quantitative literacy

Marion Blumenstein (Libraries & Learning Services, Student Learning Services, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)

International Journal for Researcher Development

ISSN: 2048-8696

Article publication date: 11 May 2015

1603

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into the experiences of and challenges confronting higher degree research students and learning advisors (LAs) regarding data analysis support. The ability to handle data and use numerical evidence systematically is an important transferable skill and essential for the successful completion of a quantitative research thesis.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of qualitative and quantitative data was used, enabling a convergence of findings: the questionnaire and one-on-one advisory sessions feedback gathered information on the student experience, while semi-structured interviews provided data on the LAs’ perspective.

Findings

Phenomenographic analysis of interviews revealed many challenges associated with centralised learning support provision. Learning advisors recognised not only different disciplinary needs but also the tensions associated with working centrally and cross-disciplinary. Students identified a need for more practice-orientated training opportunities in data analysis during their postgraduate and doctoral research.

Practical implications

Understanding gained from students’ and LAs’ experiences are essential for changes of university-wide teaching and learning strategies. The collection of “bottom-up” data on the student experience combined with data on learning thresholds provided by faculty and student learning support units would allow a coordinated, institution-wide approach to identified learning needs.

Originality/value

Developing a community of practice concerned with quantitative literacy means that staff with expert knowledge, regardless of discipline affiliation, can provide an environment in which students are able to develop their analytical skills further and can participate in ongoing discussions on real-life research and data analysis issues.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Drs Barry White and Susan Carter, both from University of Auckland, for valuable discussions of this work and the reading of the manuscript, which greatly improved the quality of the writing. This work would not have been possible without funding for research and study leave from the University of Auckland.

Citation

Blumenstein, M. (2015), "The generic-discipline dilemma: learning advising in quantitative literacy", International Journal for Researcher Development, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 24-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRD-09-2014-0032

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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