Research Article

Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course

Volume: 43 June 29, 2026
TR EN

Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course

Abstract

This qualitative case study examines how engineering students develop research literacy in an interdisciplinary elective at a technical university in Türkiye. Twenty-four third- and fourth-year students worked in six project groups; data include semi-structured interviews with twelve participants and project artefacts such as drafts, feedback, and revision notes. Thematic analysis focuses on topic selection, collaboration, and methodological writing tasks. Findings indicate that writing assignments encouraged students to move from compiling information to designing small-scale inquiries, and that topic choice shaped how they defined valid evidence. The study shows how early experiences with research-based writing can support more flexible reasoning and emerging forms of researcher identity in engineering education.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval and written permission were obtained from the Social Sciences and Humanities Human Research Ethics Committee of Gebze Technical University (Protocol No: 2025/11-06, Approval Date: 15.05.2025).

Thanks

This work was shaped by a learning environment grounded in the idea that research develops through engagement with problems rather than predefined disciplinary boundaries, echoing Karl Popper’s insight that “problems may cut across the borders of any subject matter or discipline.” I extend my sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sinan Akgül, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Gebze Technical University, for his encouragement throughout the process. I am also grateful to all students who participated in the interdisciplinary writing laboratory; their contributions, reflections, and collaborative spirit enriched the study and made this research possible.

References

  1. Badenhorst, C. M., Moloney, C., & Rosales, J. (2020). New literacies for engineering students: Critical reflective-writing practice. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2020.1.10805
  2. Boström, M., Lidskog, R., & Uggla, Y. (2017). A reflexive look at reflexivity in environmental sociology. Environmental Sociology, 3(1), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/23251042.2016.1237336
  3. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
  4. Condee, W. (2016). The interdisciplinary turn in the arts and humanities. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 34, 12–29.
  5. Grin, J., Felix, F., & Bos, B. (2004). Practices for reflexive design: Lessons from a Dutch programme on sustainable agriculture. International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 1(1/2), 126–149.
  6. Hall, S. (1996). Who needs ‘identity’? In S. Hall, & P. du Gay (Eds.), Questions of cultural identity (pp. 1–17). SAGE Publications.
  7. Heron, M., Baker, S., Gravett, K., & Irwin, E. (2023). Scoping academic oracy in higher education: Knotting together forgotten connections to equity and academic literacies. Higher Education Research & Development, 42(1), 62–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2022.2048635
  8. Hill, S. (1995). The formation of the identity as a scientist. Science & Technology Studies, 8(1), 53–72.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Development of Science, Technology and Engineering Education and Programs

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 29, 2026

Submission Date

June 14, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 17, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 43

APA
Serbes, H. (2026). Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course. Bogazici University Journal of Education, 43. https://doi.org/10.52597/buje.1719645
AMA
1.Serbes H. Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course. BUJE. 2026;43. doi:10.52597/buje.1719645
Chicago
Serbes, Hüseyin. 2026. “Thinking Like Engineers, Writing As Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course”. Bogazici University Journal of Education 43 (June). https://doi.org/10.52597/buje.1719645.
EndNote
Serbes H (June 1, 2026) Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course. Bogazici University Journal of Education 43
IEEE
[1]H. Serbes, “Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course”, BUJE, vol. 43, June 2026, doi: 10.52597/buje.1719645.
ISNAD
Serbes, Hüseyin. “Thinking Like Engineers, Writing As Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course”. Bogazici University Journal of Education 43 (June 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.52597/buje.1719645.
JAMA
1.Serbes H. Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course. BUJE. 2026;43. doi:10.52597/buje.1719645.
MLA
Serbes, Hüseyin. “Thinking Like Engineers, Writing As Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course”. Bogazici University Journal of Education, vol. 43, June 2026, doi:10.52597/buje.1719645.
Vancouver
1.Hüseyin Serbes. Thinking Like Engineers, Writing as Researchers: Research Literacy and Identity in an Interdisciplinary Course. BUJE. 2026 Jun. 1;43. doi:10.52597/buje.1719645

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