Research days as inspiration for profile assignment

Almost 800 school pupils from 11 different schools attended the University of Groningen research days on 21, 22, 25 and 26 April to make a start on their profile assignment. They found inspiration for the assignment and learned about open and investigative questions.

The pupils spent half a day at the University following a varied programme. A coordinator from the arts, sciences or social sciences support desks opened each session and examined questions such as ‘What is science?’ or ‘How do you come up with a subject for your profile assignment?’ Then researchers from various disciples spoke about their research, the kinds of questions that they ask and the problems that they encounter.

For the second part of the programme, the pupils visited the University Museum to see the ‘Copying the World’ exhibition on plaster art. In this exhibition plaster models help the visitor visualize various examples from the arts, sciences and social sciences. At the museum, the pupils were given a workshop on posing open, investigative questions. Various academics talked about the kinds of questions that you could ask about the objects in the museum. Then it was over to the pupils: they each chose a museum piece and came up with a number of research questions on it.

In the coming weeks the pupils will think about their subject and try to come up with the main question. The University’s profile assignment team will then visit the participating schools for a follow-up to help the pupils hone their research questions.

The University will also hold research days next year. If you are interested, please contact Helena Vis .