Research and Assessment Methods in Higher Education

This body of work demonstrates the competency of gathering, applying, and deploying methods of research and assessment by clearly outlining a structured research approach to address a pertinent issue in higher education. The research question focuses on understanding the impact of leadership reluctance in student-led clubs on student growth and development, highlighting a relevant and emerging phenomenon. The detailed analysis of individual experiences and the development of themes based on collected data illustrate a comprehensive approach to assessing and enhancing student learning and institutional practices. This experience has thoroughly prepared me for work in my doctoral studies.

This study proposes a relevant and impactful research question, identifies a clear unit of analysis, and selects a qualitative research design to deeply explore this phenomenon. By defining key terms, crafting pertinent research questions, and choosing appropriate data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations, the research is poised to generate valuable insights. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of this topic in shaping student affairs practices and guiding policy decisions, ultimately benefiting student learning and higher education as a whole.