Program Overview

Course Description

The 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.

Course Outline

Day 1: Research, Assessment and Evaluation Methods 101 (4 hours)

• Distinguishing between research, assessment, and evaluation
  • Spectrums of intensity: informal assessment through to research
  • Key terms and concepts
  • Tri-council framework for distinguishing between research and quality assurance
• Selecting quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method approaches appropriate to research questions and assessment goals
  • Defining qualitative and quantitative approaches
  • 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
  • Migrate planned methodologies into implementation tools and implement collection based on timeline in implementation plan
  • Peer and instructor review & support

Day 3: Data analysis 101 (4 hours)

• Quantitative data analysis
  • Learn basic data analysis tools and statistical concepts using Excel and SPSS
• Qualitative data analysis
  • 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

Prerequisites

• CORP-SAPA0012 - Ethical Research and Assessment (Enrolled and will be completed)

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

Course Details

• Section Title: Methodologies Part II: Research design, data collection, data analysis
• Type: Online - Scheduled
• Days: Tuesday
• Time: 1:00PM to 3:00PM
• Dates: Sep 22, 2026 to Oct 20, 2026
• Total Learning Hours: 20.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method(s): Online - Scheduled
• Course Fee(s): Tuition non-credit | $900.00
• CEUs: 2 CEUs
• Instructors: Rick Ezekiel