COURSE

RESEARCH
EVALUATION
METHODOLOGY

1. General Background
The general prospect of architectural research has gradually changed both in academic exploration as well
as innovative practices. This specific course has been designed for understanding the various aspects of
the research in terms of the knowledge gap and problem identification, literature reviews, research
process, philosophy, methodology, and strategies. The contents of this subject are well designed such that
the students can learn many aspects of the research by experiencing through projects like mini-research,
research proposals, and presentations. Both the theoretical and practical knowledge about the research
process is learned after the completion of this course. Also, the various aspects of academic research with
proper citations and referencing are taught which is useful for career development in the academic field of
architectural research.
Each research problem needs a proper direction for an effective outcome from its conclusion. Therefore,
this course fulfills the gaps of knowledge about how research should be conducted such that the direction
and flow of searching are maintained. The sociological aspect of architectural research has been briefly
explained, and the governing factors that determine the architectural design has also been thouroughly
clarified.
2. Student’s Expectation from the Course
As a student, this course has been a surprise from the beginning to the end from a learning point of view.
The myth about research as a very difficult field in architecture has been shattered as the course
progressed towards completion. My general expectation was limited to how research can be practically
conducted in the field of architecture. However, I have learned much more in 3 weeks of learning this
subject than I would have ever learned by reading the books. The proper guidance of our teacher and the
tutor has enhanced the perception of architectural research for me. The way of teaching with links and
examples along with the course contents and its relativity was beyond my expectation. This kind of study
feels like a crash course where we learn everything that is necessary in the short time frame. However, a
much deeper understanding has been gained in every aspect related to the research and design side of
architecture.
3. Adequacy of Content Delivered
The time interval and the course contents seemed to go hand-in-hand as there were no lapses, gaps, and
feelings of separation between the students and the course content. Therefore, the adequacy of this course
content and its depth is highly justified in my opinion. Our teacher has provided enough details on the
subject matter along with proper examples. Sometimes, there was so much content given by the teacher in
the lecture that we could not grasp enough knowledge by writing notes on each topic. Thus, our teacher’s
delivery of the content is highly efficient and sufficient. Such a vast knowledge shall be converted to a
book which can be inspired for many other architects in Nepal as well as foreign.
4. Teaching Method/Style
Our lecturer provided real-life examples for us to understand each detail of the lecture along with the
context in contemporary situations. The teaching method was highly effective as it was better to
understand the true meaning of such topics in such a manner. The teacher sometimes slowed his speech
such that we could perceive the knowledge and grasp its idea thoroughly. One of the most impressive
aspects among those teaching methods was the enthusiasm of our teacher throughout the lecture over the
entirety of this course. His level of passion and competence towards learning and applying those learned
things in practical life was extremely inspirational. Personally, I feel like our teacher has guided each
individual in our class keeping in mind the background of each student’s learning speed and capability. A
COURSE
RESEARCH
EVALUATION
METHODOLOGY

source of conciseness as well as variety has given us more than the expectation. More examples and
relativity to the content is suggested so that students can relate the context more to the real scenario.
5. On the class assignments and its relevance
The assignment of the research proposal at the beginning of this course was given to make us understand
how to make a proper research proposal. Also, it was given for us to know what we could have done
differently after the completion of this course. The mini-research assignment was given which helped to
understand the importance of team-work, work separation, and simultaneous learning from other students
about the contents. Therefore, they are perfectly placed for us to utilize the obtained knowledge to fulfill
the goals of the assignment. The idea of proposal writing has broadly highlighted the focus on literature
review for proper research. This knowledge can also be used during design where we can learn from
other’s ideas to create our innovations while searching for various solutions to the problem.
The combined efforts of teachers and the dedication of fellow students during the time of lockdown
created a fruitful utilization of research knowledge towards finishing those assignments. We came to
know the grammatical differences between writing a research proposal, mini-research, and research
articles through the assignments. Initially, the idea of giving such assignments almost at the beginning of
the course surprised me but it was very helpful. A summarized idea about how to write such proposals,
reports and essays is suggested to be given in the introduction class also to give a sense of direction to the
students.
6. Interaction with Students
Our teacher constantly asked questions to students which help to understand the topic with clarity. All the
interactive classes and discussions helped me to understand research goals and their procedures. I feel like
some more time should be given for interaction between our teacher and students to understand the basics
of research as it is better to learn them properly before jumping to a higher level. Perhaps, students don’t
ask questions to the teacher due to fear of failure which is also a drawback that needs to be addressed by
the teacher. Overall, the interaction is phenomenal compared to my previous experiences in terms of
concise and prompt answers from the teacher. A group should be created in order to leave messages and
questions to the professor and the teacher can answer those question whenever he is free.
7. Candid opinion on the overall delivery/critical comments
The quality of both the contents, slides, and the delivery of the teacher is exceptional. There are fewer
words in the slide but it is more informative on the subject matter due to relatable examples. Overall, the
quantity and quality of contents and its delivery are commendable for students like us who are very new
to the world of research. The placement of this course at the beginning of our Master’s study is what we
required so that a good foundation can be developed for studying other subjects as well as scientifically
and systematically. With the help of the teachings by our mentor, I am confident to express that the
impact of learning this course as well as other courses in the future will be very different. The time frame
of course is suggested to extend a little more if possible.
8. Suggestions for Improvement
One of the few suggestions for improvement in the study of research methodology would be providing
slides after each class so that students can grasp almost everything that the teacher teaches during the
lecture. The intellectual output from the students after reading the teacher’s slide just after the lecture can
provide great insight and helps to connect the missing links that they didn’t understand during the class
lecture. Lecture slides could be given early to students for better learning without loss of direction.
COURSE
RESEARCH
EVALUATION
METHODOLOGY

9. Effectiveness of online teaching compared to classroom teaching

There are both advantages and disadvantages for teachers as well as students due to this unforeseen
situation of online teaching. It is hard for both teachers and students to sit in one place without little
movement which is very bad for body posture. This creates discomfort for both teacher and the students
even after the lectures are finished. Teacher-student interaction on a closer level could not be achieved
due to physical separation which is very hard for some students. Some of the advantages are the use of
less paperwork and handwritten documents which for some students is hectic. And, digitization of the
whole education system has created a much faster way of access and interaction for learning and self-
evaluation. There are good and bad aspects of this kind of studying but overall its better to have
something than nothing. Importance of physical interaction was felt when we were derprived from it due
to this pandemic.