Course Description
This course provides an in-depth review of tools and methods used for research, assessment and evaluation in student affairs. Participants will learn about qualitative and quantitative methodologies to engage in research, assessment and evaluation. Additionally, participants will design instruments (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interview methodologies, and rubrics) that can be used to collect data within each of these methodological approaches. Student affairs professionals will collect data using instruments they have designed and learn to analyze data using rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods appropriate to their design. Overall, participants will understand a diverse array of methods to assess the quality of student learning and development outcomes for student affairs programs and services.Course Outline
Day 1: Research, Assessment and Evaluation Methods 101 (4 hours)
• Distinguishing between research, assessment and evaluation
o Spectrums of intensity: informal assessment through to research
o Key terms and concepts
o Tri-council framework for distinguishing between research and quality assurance
• Selecting quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method approaches appropriate to research questions and assessment goals.
o Defining qualitative and quantitative approaches
o Tools and instruments for research, assessment and planning: considerations of generalizability and publishability for formal research.
Day 2: Implementing your research, assessment and evaluation plan: Data collection (4 hours)
• Developing an implementation plan for assessment / research / evaluation plan developed in Methodologies Part 1
• Data collection lab
o Migrate planned methodologies into implementation tools and implement collection based on timeline in implementation plan.
o Peer and instructor review & support.
Day 3: Data analysis 101 (4 hours)
• Quantitative data analysis
o Learn basic data analysis tools and statistical concepts using excel and SPSS
• Qualitative data analysis
o Learn about informal and formal strategies to analyze qualitative data (theme analysis, NVIVO)
• Data collection check-in & development of analysis plan
Day 4: Data analysis lab (4 hours)
• Participants will work in a lab setting to analyze data they have collected, with support from the instructor and lab assistants.
Day 5: Reporting on research / assessment / evaluation methods and results (4 hours)
• Review of reporting approaches aligned with different disciplines and research, assessment or evaluation goals.
• Consider audiences and priority groups for communication.
Evaluation Methods:
• Participation (20%): Group discussions and activities
• Quizzes (30%):
• Assignment (50%): Final research / assessment plan & report (including methods section developed iteratively through the course)
What You Will Learn
• Understand key methodologies for research, assessment and evaluation in student affairs.• Design research and assessment plans to understand student needs or assess the impact and effectiveness of a program or service they work with.
• Learn about instruments of research, assessment and evaluation.
• Collect data through an assessment plan and instrument they have designed.
• Develop data analysis skills and apply them to an assessment project.
Recommended For
Student Affairs professionals across Canada, those who are interested in the field, and other professionals in higher education.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Student Affairs Program Assessment Certificate : Cohort Based Option