Peer Researcher in the Interprofessional Peer Researcher Network

As a peer researcher you will work in interprofessional teams to undertake online focus groups related to teaching and learning activities

Outline of Activity

An interprofessional student peer researcher network with healthcare students is launching on the Derry/ Londonderry campus in October 2024.

Peer researchers in this context are students conducting research with other students. This Edge Award activity provides healthcare students the real-life opportunity to conduct research and analysis the data that comes out of that research.

As a peer researcher you will work in interprofessional teams to undertake online focus groups related to teaching and learning activities. The topics under investigation are inter professional education and people that use services (citizen educators/ service users) in teaching activities. Focus groups would be conducted by students with students. The Peer researcher network will be lead by a student.

The peer researcher role is of interest to students across the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences and those studying Social Work. This activity is better suited to students studying healthcare subjects in second year or beyond. It involves working as a team to produce useful data that will support innovation in teaching activities at Ulster. This project aims to transform students experience of research and provide opportunities for real world application of the knowledge you learn in the classroom.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate clear and effective communications skills, through collaboration with interdisciplinary staff and students
Understand participatory research methodology.
Application of communication skills in an online environment conducting focus groups.
Enhanced research skills, including the ability to critique and synthesis data.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage focus groups.

Assessment Details

Peer researchers will be asked to complete an evaluation form and will be asked to participate in a podcast to reflect on their experiences. This will be hosted on the UU interprofessional website. Students will be asked to attend an online webinar to share their research at the end of semester 2.