Academic Research Guidelines
Great social projects generate great data. During your 6-month project realization, your group will conduct field research to validate your impact. We will guide you from data collection to publishing your findings in the IELS Knowledge Hub.
The Research Concept
One of the biggest confusions is whether the research is separate from the project. It is not. Your research paper is the academic validation of the SDG 4 project you execute in Indonesia. 1 Group = 1 Project = 1 Research Paper.
Data-Driven Action
You are not just writing theories. You will use the frameworks learned at NUS to collect primary data directly from your project's beneficiaries.
IELS Mentorship
No research experience? Don't worry. IELS provides dedicated mentorship on data processing, methodology, and academic structuring.
Publication
Completed and approved papers will be officially published in the IELS Knowledge Hub, serving as a powerful academic portfolio for your future career or studies.
Research & Data Timeline
The research process runs strictly parallel to your project realization. Here is how your academic milestones align with your fieldwork.
Phase 1: Baseline Study (Pre-Test)
Before launching your project offline, your team must distribute preliminary surveys or conduct initial interviews in your target area to establish baseline data.
Phase 2: Field Data Collection
During your 2-3 weeks intensive volunteership, you are actively gathering data. This includes:
- Tracking participant progress and immediate project outputs.
- Documenting case studies and qualitative beneficiary feedback.
- Conducting the Post-Test to measure direct educational impact.
Phase 3: Data Processing & Mentorship
Back from the field, your team will process the raw data. IELS will provide online mentorship sessions to guide you on how to analyze the data academically and structure your findings.
Phase 4: Manuscript Drafting
Translating the analyzed data into a formal academic paper. Your team will write the methodology, results, and discussion sections, integrating the sustainability plan of your project.
Final Deliverable: The Research Paper
Your final submission is a formal academic paper written in English. This paper will be reviewed by the IELS Academic Team before publication. Below is the expected structure of your submission.
1. Abstract & Introduction
Summary of your SDG 4 project, the specific local problem you addressed, and the objectives of your intervention.
2. Methodology
How did you execute the project? Describe the target demographic, duration (the 2-3 weeks intensive), and how you collected data.
3. Results & Impact Analysis
The core of your paper. Present the data showing the before-and-after effects of your educational project on the community.
4. Conclusion & Sustainability
Lessons learned, limitations of your project, and the strategic blueprint for how this project can be continued by future delegates.
Ready to Publish Your Impact?
A project without data is just a story. A project backed by academic research becomes a scalable solution. Complete your administration and start drafting your initial ideas today.