Identification of Factors Affecting the Development of Teacher and Student Participation in Research Activities (Student Research Centers)

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to identify factors affecting the development of teacher and student participation in research activities (student research centers). Methodology: This applied research was conducted using a qualitative approach. The research population consisted of experts in student research centers in Semnan province in the 2021-2022 academic year. From among them, based on the principle of theoretical saturation, 16 individuals were selected as samples using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data collection tools were semi-structured interviews, the validity of which was confirmed by triangulation, and reliability was achieved with a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 62%. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding in MAXQDA 2020 software. Findings: The findings showed that factors affecting the development of teacher and student participation in research activities included 18 concepts, 6 subcategories, and 3 main categories. The main categories included research center structure (with two subcategories: reward system and appreciation of teachers' and students' efforts, and employment conditions and ethical principles in the process), clear mission and vision of the research center (with two subcategories: strategic program development and specification of goals, missions, values, and visions), and laws, regulations, and policies (with two subcategories: flexibility in the process of employing teachers, student teachers, and talented students, and adding points in annual evaluation and ranking). Conclusion: Considering the identified factors affecting the development of teacher and student participation in research activities (student research centers), it is necessary to plan for their participation development through the identified factors.