Andrews University has a strong record of providing opportunities for students to actively gain research experience. Whether students are completing their Honors thesis, participating in projects sponsored by a particular department, or answering survey questions for their peer’s research, there are many ways for students to take part in this valuable skill-building experience. However, it can be difficult to balance research with classes and daily life requirements. It can especially be hard to set aside time to work on such a project when there are not as many small deadlines to adhere to. One excellent way to avoid the procrastination problem and prevent the need to complete large chunks of a project the night before a major milestone is due is to find someone to hold you accountable. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences has prepared a place to do just that. At least one Friday every month, there is a come-and-go qualitative research group that meets in rooms 238 and 215 of Buller Hall’s second floor.
I emailed Dr. Stacie Hatfield, a professor of anthropology, to learn more regarding the Qualitative Research Writing Group.
What is the goal of this writing group?
There are several goals for the writing group:
1) To provide protected time and space for
qualitative research writing. Faculty and students alike face busy schedules that make effective writing
difficult. Whether you’re working on a research paper, a conference presentation, a grant proposal, or a
journal article, these sessions are designed as designated time for writing.
2) While many faculty and
students engage qualitative methods in their research, there has been little community around
qualitative research here at Andrews University. Qualitative methods and theory are essential for
producing knowledge about the why, how, and experiential questions of the world. One goal of
the writing group is to foster community around qualitative research. We do this through interactive
conversations, collaboration, and presentation sessions and throughout our time together during the
sessions.
3) We often have information sessions, for example, on how to use Endnote or other resources
as part of our session. One of our goals is to increase awareness of the many resources that support
qualitative research writing and scholarship.
What can participants expect if they choose to attend these meetings?
Participants coming to the Qualitative Research Writing Group can expect a generous array of snacks
and hot drinks, dedicated quiet time for writing, spaces for collaboration and networking, and resources
for qualitative work and academic writing. We meet in the lobby area of the Office of Research and
Creative Scholarship and the Behavioral Sciences Research Center on the second floor of Buller Hall. The
schedule for the mornings looks like this:
9:15-9:30 Welcome: sign in, get something to eat, and set up your writing space.
9:30-10:20 Dedicated writing time
10:20-10:30 Break: snacks and stretch
10:30-11:20 Dedicated writing time
11:30-12:30 Interactive session for learning, training, and sharing qualitative research approaches,
experiences, and expertise.
How can students and staff find out what days you will be meeting?
Information on the Qualitative Research Writing Group is available to faculty and staff through weekly
emails from Anneris Coria-Navia and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Announcements are also
made through the CAS faculty newsletter. Students can find information about the sessions through
posters and announcements in class. Look for our whiteboard announcing the day’s activities in the hall
outside the School for Social and Behavioral Sciences. If the Writing Group is in session, come on in!
Will this be continued next semester as well?
Yes! The Qualitative Research Writing Group meets about one Friday a month from 9:30-12:30
throughout the academic year. Our spring semester meetings will be on January 19, February 9, March
1, and April 5.
Are there any qualifications students, staff, or faculty must have to attend? What sorts of projects are
welcomed?
The Qualitative Research Writing Group is open to faculty, staff, and students of all levels at Andrews
University. While we focus on qualitative research, we welcome writers from every discipline and
research approach. We also welcome anyone simply needing a quiet, supportive space to work on non-
research-related writing projects.
Does this provide time to collaborate with others or is the time designated for primarily independent
work?
The Qualitative Research Writing Group is divided by time into writing sessions, breaks, and
collaborative/informational/networking sessions. The Writing Group area is divided spatially as well. We
offer a large room for quiet, independent writing during the writing sessions. We offer a conference
room and tables outside of the independent writing area for conversation, teamwork, and collaboration.
We also offer a sensory room and tools to support writing across diverse writing styles and needs.
How much commitment is required?
Networking, collaboration, and developing a personal and professional craft of writing take regular
work, so come as often as you can! We are also happy to welcome participants who can only come
once, or who can only attend part of a session.
Anything else you would like readers to know about this Qualitative Research Group?
Qualitative research helps to answer some of the most important and interesting questions there are. If
you never thought you wanted to be a researcher, try qualitative research. It might change your mind.
Qualitative research also provides essential tools beyond research and across disciplinary and
professional fields. Qualitative research skills are highly desirable to employers and improve your
abilities across employment sectors. The Qualitative Research Writing Group is a great place to practice,
learn, and produce knowledge through writing.
As you can see, this is a great opportunity for anyone taking part in research to set aside time to work on their projects and develop skills. Be sure to mark your calendar, as there will be one more meeting this year on November 11. There will not be one in December as the semester wraps up, but next semester, the group will pick up where they left off. What are you waiting for? Go forth and research!
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