The Institute for Engineering Education Research (IEER) guides participants through the steps of creating a high-quality research study using a unique Engineering Education Research (EER) card deck developed by the facilitators. The cards introduce research questions, theory and conceptual frameworks, and a range of methodologies to help participants build a well-grounded and aligned research design while becoming familiar with common paradigms used in EER. Facilitators lead participants through each stage of the research process and work with them as they develop their plans; attendees may arrive with an existing idea or generate new research directions during the institute. In the afternoon, participants receive one-on-one feedback, peer critiques, and guidance on expanding their plans into full research studies. Designed for faculty, staff, and students, the workshop supports a wide range of engineering education research from Scholarship of Teaching and Learning projects focused on improving one’s own teaching to broader inquiries into engineering education, and serves both as an introduction to the field and a supported working session for experienced researchers beginning a new project.

By the end of the Institute, participants will be able to:
  1. Identify the key elements of a well-designed research study.
  2. Reflect on the researcher worldview and motivation and how they inform the study.
  3. Recognize important conceptual frameworks and research paradigms in engineering education research.
  4. Draft a research study design that can be used to secure funding, or serve as a project proposal.
  5. Justify the choices that have been made and the overall alignment of the research design.
Facilitators

  • Marnie Jamieson, University of Alberta
  • Susan McCahan, University of Toronto
  • Kimia Moozeh, University of Toronto
  • Robyn Mae Paul, University of Calgary
  • Lisa Romkey, University of Toronto
  • Jillian Seniuk Cicek, University of Manitoba