Research requires a vast array of skills. Our class this year emphasized the multiple strategies and methods necessary to conduct effective research. Working in pods allowed us to discuss the various methods and how we would go about them. It also enabled us to work and discuss our research assignments with students in different disciplines, creating a dialogue that provided different perspectives which led to new ideas. The group RAP tests were a unique opportunity to generate cooperation and, luckily enough, our group consisted of members that were very democratic. We were mostly successful on these tests and we got to know each other quite well. It was interesting to learn the intricacies of how each of our group members’ brains worked and how we all had unique ways of thinking.

The research methods we utilized for our assignments provided invaluable skills that can be applied in other academic areas and everyday life. My focus is business management and assignments like the interview assignment were particularly beneficial for my field of work. I’ve interviewed people before for jobs, but interviewing a stranger who wasn’t trying to obtain a job was intriguing. It forced me to struggle to create an engaging and meaningful conversation. I learned more from that interview than I have from interviewing anyone for a job. It changed the way I approach interviews as a manager, which will hopefully result in the hiring of better employees. However, I found all the group activities the most beneficial for my other academic and personal endeavours.

This course really put into perspective what we’re trying to achieve in this program. A well-rounded academic experience is what I’ve been searching for and this course elaborated on what our goals are as interdisciplinary students. I feel I have more brainstorming to do before heading into tutorials and the Grad Project, but forming relationships with other students has led to fruitful discussions and new perspectives on how to approach the rest of this program.