Québec CEGEP social science students who have produced supervised Research Proposals as course work.
For students to play a scripted role in the inquiry-based setting of an external grants competition.
An external grants competition held across participating Research Methods courses in a college. Hosted by a Lead Research Director, student Contestants compete to become the Grant Holder, get published and be honoured with a Research Work of Outstanding Merit award.
The game is spread over four successive stages:
Research Proposals that adhere to the rules and Code of Conduct governing this scenario. The Research Proposals must also have been produced under the supervision of a Research Director (teacher) and must be sponsored by that Research Director. Individual or group (no more than five students) proposals may be submitted.
Submission of the Research Proposal along with the Contestant Entry Form containing the signatures of applicant(s) and the sponsoring Research Director. A signature signifying consent to abide by the Code of Conduct is also required.
Entries must be received by the date specified by the Lead Research Director, generally toward the end of the semester. The winners are announced a few weeks after the closing entry date.
Contestants and sponsors must comply with the regulations set out in the Grant Holder’s Script. The Regulations are aligned with the rules governing research granting organizations, as well as the research boards/guidelines of educational institutions. The Contestants and sponsors are responsible for reviewing the regulatory and ethical conduct materials in advance. Failure to comply may lead to automatic disqualification.
Inquiry-based role-play scenario
Teachers, students, staff and administration partake in a learning activity that reaches beyond the conventional boundaries of classroom learning. Functioning much like a science fair, it provides an enriching 21st century co-curricular learning experience.
Co-curricular activity has become part of a wider international effort to infuse 21st century learning initiatives such as culture and ethical citizenship, computer and digital technologies, problem-solving, collaboration and decision-making into the educational fabric of Canada. (http://www.c21canada.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/PIAACDec3.pdf)
Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) settings offer “compelling learning experiences” in which a learning-for-life curriculum can be developed (Ofsted 2008). UK Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Respect for the well-being and integrity of research participants and full and voluntary adherence to scientific protocol and government laws and regulations govern behaviour at all levels of research. The COLLEGIATE CONTEST Code of Conduct is drawn up in light of these multiple scopes. Even though it is a game, the specific prescriptions in the Code are rooted in the ethical rules governing researchers.
The Code of Conduct should be followed not just as a means to be “a good sport” but as a way to “behave your way into the world of professional research.”
The Entry Forms contain the Code of Conduct relative to each player. A signature signifying consent to abide by the Code of Conduct is required.