2008 Woodie Awards
Student Research Conference should figure high on students' to-do list
Andrew Kindlger
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Opinions
I can't help but notice that the collective sentiment regarding the Student Research Conference has become that today is yet another free day on our smorgasbord of spring holidays. But this day is supposed to be reserved for students who wish to take an extra step with their research and share it with professors and the University as a whole.
In class during the past two weeks, the annual Student Research Conference has been a subject discussed with some restraint. Students are encouraged to attend by teachers but bound by nothing more than personal interest and promises of extra credit. The lack of interest for this event is unfortunate.
The research conference serves as an opportunity for students to attempt to present a general thesis for the academic year. Seniors complete projects geared toward capstone assignments and major research, and younger students experiment with ideas that might shape into life pursuits. The conference is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the achievements attained by their peers, as well as to understand the tone for Truman-grade research and analysis.
I think the lack of student excitement is unjust in an atmosphere that should endorse the academic excellence of others. At the very least, it's a good idea for students to be aware of Truman's role as a scholarly institution and not simply a training ground for the job market.
As college students and emerging adults, now is the time to gain a perception of the state of affairs in a world that goes beyond meeting requirements and personal gratification in an academic environment. There is much to gain by showing an appreciation for emerging perspectives in broadening fields. No longer are the subjects being taught by editors and authors we will never meet but by people sitting next to us in class or at other universities across the nation.
The research conference should not be seen as a day to sleep until the middle of the afternoon. Students should avoid adhering to the same routine and take the opportunity to explore new ideas or possibly even pursue a developing interest in a major or minor. The conference is not only worthwhile to the researchers. The showcase of research is an academically diverse endeavor that will challenge the audience as much as the participants.
In class during the past two weeks, the annual Student Research Conference has been a subject discussed with some restraint. Students are encouraged to attend by teachers but bound by nothing more than personal interest and promises of extra credit. The lack of interest for this event is unfortunate.
The research conference serves as an opportunity for students to attempt to present a general thesis for the academic year. Seniors complete projects geared toward capstone assignments and major research, and younger students experiment with ideas that might shape into life pursuits. The conference is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the achievements attained by their peers, as well as to understand the tone for Truman-grade research and analysis.
I think the lack of student excitement is unjust in an atmosphere that should endorse the academic excellence of others. At the very least, it's a good idea for students to be aware of Truman's role as a scholarly institution and not simply a training ground for the job market.
As college students and emerging adults, now is the time to gain a perception of the state of affairs in a world that goes beyond meeting requirements and personal gratification in an academic environment. There is much to gain by showing an appreciation for emerging perspectives in broadening fields. No longer are the subjects being taught by editors and authors we will never meet but by people sitting next to us in class or at other universities across the nation.
The research conference should not be seen as a day to sleep until the middle of the afternoon. Students should avoid adhering to the same routine and take the opportunity to explore new ideas or possibly even pursue a developing interest in a major or minor. The conference is not only worthwhile to the researchers. The showcase of research is an academically diverse endeavor that will challenge the audience as much as the participants.
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Jeremy Loscheider
posted 4/03/08 @ 12:48 PM CST
I second wholeheartedly Andrew Kindlger's support of the Student Research Conference. That Truman holds this conference annually is highly-respected among graduate institutions - and it can reflect very well upon students who participate. (Continued…)
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