Development of an instructional model for enhancing graduate students’ desirable researcher characteristics: A case study in social science

The purpose of this research was to develop an instructional model for enhancing desirable researcher characteristics for graduate students in social science. A 3–step of research approach was used in this study: 1) an analysis of the current status and needs relative to desirable research characteristics; 2) an instructional model was designed; and 3) instructional model was implemented for evaluating effectiveness and improving it. Based on analysis, the optimal instructional model: a) Had the objective to improve graduate students’ research characteristics: in terms of knowledge and understanding of the research subjects, language and computer abilities, thinking abilities, management and communication abilities, behavior, and code of conduct and personality; b) Had content consistent with curriculum and research science; c) Had learning activities that included: motivating, new learning, practice, presentations critiquing, learning reflection and applications; d) Had instructional media that were suitable with learning objectives and students’ interests and, e) Evaluated students through authentic assessments. In sum, the instructional model was effective in developing desirable researcher characteristics.