IN-PERSON Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

In the liberal arts module “Collaborative Research Project,” students work in teams to design, plan, and carry out a research project that addresses a socially significant question over the course of one semester. While the research process is supported by instructors, supervisors, and guest lecturers, it is the students who take the lead, acting as the architects and builders of this educational “sandbox.” They set the boundaries, choose their materials, and construct their projects. They also determine the research topics, form groups, and select methods, drawing on their diverse knowledge and experiences across various disciplines. With intellectual curiosity, they explore, collect data, and analyze their findings, with an emphasis on the process rather than the outcome—where failure is seen as part of learning. Throughout the semester, students complete five research documentation assignments, reflecting on their research process. This highlights research as an inquiry-driven and semi-structured exploration, where struggles are viewed as natural and even welcome aspects of the sandbox learning environment. With the freedom to engage with pressing, complex issues such as mental health, and to apply abstract theories from texts to practical, real-world contexts, students become active researchers, extending their learning beyond the classroom and into the community. By the end of the semester, students present their findings through creative formats such as detailed infographics, letters to administration advocating for change, and engaging podcasts. These outputs demonstrate their deep engagement in and with collaborative, experiential learning.