Reflections on working with undergraduate student researchers

We are a small team who are investigating legal research skills and resources, but this first blog is not about the research itself. We thought it was a good point to share our reflections on recruiting students from the perspective of the lead researcher (Mel, a Lecturer and Student Experience Manager) and on being recruited, from the perspective of two student members of the research team (Natalie, who starts level 2 in September, and Abi, who has just completed her studies in July).

Why have students as members of a research team?

Mel: A member of Library Services, an Associate Lecturer, and four undergraduate students are all part of the team. The research method involves running focus groups to ask students and staff, for their views and ideas on ‘how we can help all our students achieve the legal research learning outcomes’. So, who better to be part of the team, than students who are studying with us?

I am the product of others giving me opportunities and am always looking for ways I can help students develop their own interests. My assumption was that I would have one or two applications from post-graduate students who wanted to become researchers. This assumption proved entirely wrong.

The first month when the adverts went live, it was very quiet. Then, suddenly, several undergraduate students applied, with interest coming in ‘waves’ over the next few months. As part of the application process, I asked students to outline what they would like to gain by joining the team. Many also provided what they could contribute to the team. The interest was so high, I had more students contact me to join the research team than students who took part in the focus groups! I have been blown away by just how much the experiences and the interests of our students have enhanced our research. I am really pleased with the decision to include student researchers and feel it has enhanced the team to have four undergraduates, with different interests and experiences join us.

Natalie: I have been looking at volunteer opportunities for a while as I wanted to gain some experience in different aspects of law and I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet other students. Having worked in analysis, this role really appealed to me, and I felt that my background and experience could be an asset to the team.

Abi: I came across the volunteer position by chance through the Open University Law Society page and was instantly drawn in. Coming to the end of my legal studies with the Open University I felt I had good experience of what it was like studying law with the Open University as well as learning and developing legal research skills. I was also drawn to the group as I was undertaking my final module, W350 Exploring Legal Boundaries, which is a legal research module that I was thoroughly enjoying. As I approached the end of my studies and was thinking about next steps, I was really drawn to the idea of developing my legal research further. I thought this opportunity would be perfect for gaining experience of working within a research team whilst also being able to lend my experience as a student to hopefully aid in developing legal research scholarship within the OU.

What we’ve learnt, so far?

Mel: Across the university, there are many ways for students to join in, have a voice and work with us to improve the student experience. From my perspective, recruiting students has certainly reminded me of just how keen and amazing our students are. I cannot fully answer this reflective question but step one is sharing my experience with staff researchers and encouraging them to work with students as research partners, and emphasising the value of working with undergraduate students who are keen to be involved. It is early days for our research, and we know there will be challenges working together, particularly around everyone’s availability, but these can all be overcome.

Natalie: I’m excited to get started and use my analytical skills and I am looking forward to working with the other group members whilst getting to know them a bit better.

Abi: The experience so far has been wonderful. I had the pleasure of joining one of the focus groups which was really insightful as it allowed me to understand other students’ perspectives on legal research and start to get an idea of how the research would pan out. The ability to work alongside other students outside of the module format is a fantastic opportunity and I feel each of us has something different to bring to the team. The ability to work alongside lecturers, a library team member and members of the faculty of the Open University is particularly exciting. I am keen to learn from these members and to have the opportunity to work together. I am sure this experience will provide learning beyond that which is possible in module formats.

Mel Holmes

Previously working as an inhouse solicitor, I joined the Open University in 2000, as an Associate Lecturer on Access and Level 1 Law modules. She is currently a Lecturer and Student Experience Manager, roles which include bringing the student perspective to developing module/programme teaching and learning design. As the first person in her family to attend university, she is particularly interested in how universities can best support all students to achieve their study goals. Mel is working on projects focused on developing study skill resources and support.

Natalie Jeffries

I am starting my second year of studying the LLB, full time. I am particularly interested in family law and children's rights in education but also particularly enjoyed studying tort law.

Abi Light

I'm a recent BA (Hons) Open graduate having studied an Open Degree with the Open University. The Open Degree was a great way of allowing me to study modules suited to my interests, law and social sciences, and the flexibility of the OU has allowed me to work and gain other experience alongside my study. Having completed my studies, and developed a real passion for law and legal research, I shall be going on to complete a Masters of Law Conversion beginning January 2025, with the aim of developing a legal career in human rights, climate and social justice.