This full-day workshop will give participants some of the knowledge required to design research studies in engineering education. The workshop will cover several aspects of the research process, including defining research questions, the role of knowledge traditions in the research process and theoretical and conceptual frameworks, the selection of methodology and supporting methods, analyses of data, and considering and applying for research ethics. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in learning activities that will support their understanding of designing research studies in engineering education.

By the end of the workshop, participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the relevance and positioning of engineering education research as a discipline
  2. Understand the use and application of “frameworks” in engineering and engineering education
  3. Reflect on your own understanding of the nature of knowledge (epistemology) and how it impacts your approach to research
  4. Develop a preliminary research question in engineering education, considering both the role of theoretical/conceptual frameworks and an epistemological tradition
  5. Identify and select a methodology and set of methods based on the area of inquiry, an epistemological tradition, and a conceptual/theoretical framework
  6. Analyze and draw conclusions from data
  7. Apply ethical human subject research principles in developing an appropriate research strategy
  8. Appreciate one’s own worldview and the importance of reflexivity as an engineering education researcher

Facilitators:

  • Sylvie Doré, École de technologie supérieure  
  • Susan McCahan, University of Toronto
  • Robyn Mae Paul, University of Calgary
  • Lisa Romkey, University of Toronto
  • Jillian Seniuk Cicek, University of Manitoba