Abstract:

Motivation:
The "Students as Partners" (SaP) approach has gained significant attention in higher education for its potential to enhance student engagement and promote collaborative learning experiences. While much of the existing literature focuses on SaP within the context of teaching, this study is motivated by the need to explore the applicability and effectiveness of the SaP approach in project work. Project-based learning is a cornerstone of higher education, and understanding how SaP can be harnessed to optimize teamwork, collaboration, and project outcomes is essential.

Methodology:
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of our experiences with the SaP approach in project work. The study involved semi-structured interviews with five student assistants who had participated in project-based activities utilizing the SaP framework. We employed a qualitative approach to analyze and interpret the data, focusing on identifying areas of improvement within the SaP framework. Additionally, we developed an action plan based on the findings to address these areas.

Results:
Our analysis revealed several key findings. Firstly, we found that SaP can be effectively applied in project work, fostering collaborative environments where students and researchers work together as equal partners. However, challenges such as the need for clear project goals and improved communication were identified. Importantly, we recognized that individual behaviors and experiences significantly impact the success of SaP in project work.

Discussion:
Our study provides valuable insights into the application of the SaP approach in project-based learning. While our findings suggest that SaP can be successful in enhancing teamwork and collaboration, it is essential to acknowledge the influence of individual behaviors and contextual factors. Furthermore, our commitment to addressing the identified areas of improvement underscores the potential for continuous enhancement of SaP in project work. These insights can inform future practices and research efforts aimed at optimizing student-researcher partnerships within project-based learning contexts.

Keywords:

Students as Partners (SaP), Project-based Learning, Higher Education, Collaboration, Student Engagement.