Elevating Scientific Writing in Higher Education: Inquiry-Based Learning as a Tool for Training Competent Researchers

Abstract

Purpose: The present study examined the relationship between scientific writing and the formation of competent researchers with research-based learning as a starting point. Theoretical Framework: It was based on the fundamentals of research and the ways of providing that knowledge to future researchers, as well as theories of scientific writing and researcher training. Previous studies addressing the relationship between inquiry-based learning with scientific writing and the formation of competent researchers were reviewed, identifying the key elements that contribute to the success of this strategy. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research with a cross-sectional non-experimental design was developed with the participation of 118 university students from a university in the Loreto region of Peru. Findings: A significant relationship was found between research-based learning and scientific writing (p<0.005) in which the formation of competent researchers partially had this relationship. The results indicated that the university students who were part of the study had better scientific writing. Research, practical & social implications: It can be affirmed that research-based learning is important to improve scientific writing, since it allows to have a better formation of competent researchers. Originality/value: This study contributes original value to the field of higher education by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of research-based learning to strengthen scientific writing and the formation of competent researchers in Peruvian university students.