Training Course on Qualitative Research Methods in Education

Training Course on Qualitative Research Methods in Education

Introduction

Qualitative research is the cornerstone of in-depth educational inquiry, offering rich insights into human behavior, learning experiences, and institutional dynamics. Training Course on Qualitative Research Methods in Education empowers educators, researchers, and academic leaders with the knowledge and tools to design, conduct, and analyze qualitative studies that drive data-informed decision-making and innovative pedagogy. Participants will explore foundational and advanced research approaches, including case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, and content analysis. This course is designed to help professionals develop critical thinking, ethical research practices, and proficiency in data interpretation using modern digital tools.

With a strong emphasis on practical application, data collection techniques, and thematic analysis, this course equips learners with high-impact qualitative research skills relevant to educational settings. Participants will gain expertise in interview protocols, focus group discussions, coding practices, triangulation, and reflexivity—core components that enhance research rigor and relevance. Whether in higher education, K-12 settings, or educational policy development, this training ensures that research outcomes meaningfully inform practice and transformation.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the foundational principles of qualitative research in education.
2. Identify suitable qualitative research designs for various educational contexts.
3. Explore data collection techniques including interviews, observations, and focus groups.
4. Analyze qualitative data using coding and thematic analysis.
5. Apply ethical standards and institutional review protocols in research.
6. Use digital tools like NVivo, Dedoose, or ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis.
7. Differentiate between phenomenological, narrative, and grounded theory approaches.
8. Develop effective interview and observation protocols.
9. Learn reflexivity and positionality in educational research.
10. Present findings through research reports, visuals, and case studies.
11. Engage in collaborative research projects in educational settings.
12. Evaluate validity, reliability, and trustworthiness in qualitative studies.
13. Design a full qualitative research proposal for educational improvement.

Target Audiences

1. Educational researchers
2. Graduate and doctoral students
3. Curriculum developers
4. Teacher educators
5. School administrators
6. Policy analysts
7. Higher education faculty
8. Instructional coaches and learning designers

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education

• Define qualitative research and its purpose
• Compare qualitative and quantitative methods
• Understand educational phenomena through a qualitative lens
• Explore historical evolution of qualitative research
• Identify major research paradigms
• Case Study: Examining student voice in school decision-making

Module 2: Research Design and Planning

• Select appropriate qualitative research design
• Frame research questions for qualitative inquiry
• Define scope, purpose, and significance
• Identify theoretical and conceptual frameworks
• Align research questions with methods
• Case Study: Designing a narrative study on teacher burnout

Module 3: Data Collection Techniques

• Conduct semi-structured and unstructured interviews
• Facilitate focus groups effectively
• Utilize participant and non-participant observation
• Collect artifacts, documents, and field notes
• Develop triangulated data strategies
• Case Study: Focus group with students on curriculum relevance

Module 4: Interview and Observation Skills

• Build rapport and obtain informed consent
• Create effective interview protocols
• Observe classroom dynamics and culture
• Take meaningful field notes
• Record and transcribe qualitative data accurately
• Case Study: Classroom observation of inquiry-based learning

Module 5: Data Analysis and Coding Techniques

• Transcribe and organize data
• Open, axial, and selective coding techniques
• Use digital software like NVivo for coding
• Develop categories and themes
• Interpret meanings within educational contexts
• Case Study: Thematic analysis of student motivation interviews

Module 6: Research Ethics and Positionality

• Understand ethical guidelines in educational research
• Navigate institutional review boards (IRBs)
• Explore researcher bias and subjectivity
• Practice reflexivity and positionality
• Protect confidentiality and anonymity
• Case Study: Ethical dilemma in researching vulnerable youth

Module 7: Grounded Theory and Phenomenology

• Understand grounded theory development
• Explore phenomenological perspectives
• Apply coding strategies specific to each
• Create theoretical memos
• Build conceptual models
• Case Study: Phenomenological study of first-generation college students

Module 8: Narrative and Case Study Approaches

• Understand narrative data sources
• Structure and analyze personal stories
• Conduct holistic case studies
• Examine bounded systems in education
• Cross-analyze narratives and cases
• Case Study: Narrative inquiry on curriculum transformation

Module 9: Content and Discourse Analysis

• Analyze text, language, and media
• Apply coding frames to curriculum content
• Study patterns in teacher/student discourse
• Explore critical discourse analysis in education
• Identify themes in policy documents
• Case Study: Discourse analysis of standardized test frameworks

Module 10: Reflexivity and Validity in Qualitative Research

• Define researcher reflexivity
• Use member checks and audit trails
• Validate findings through triangulation
• Improve reliability through clear documentation
• Assess transferability and dependability
• Case Study: Reflexive journaling during teacher evaluation research

Module 11: Collaborative Research Methods

• Engage stakeholders in participatory research
• Practice action research and appreciative inquiry
• Co-create research questions and methods
• Facilitate community-based research
• Build sustainable partnerships
• Case Study: Action research with rural school communities

Module 12: Writing and Presenting Qualitative Findings

• Craft compelling research narratives
• Use storytelling techniques in reporting
• Structure findings using themes and quotes
• Design visual presentations of data
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Case Study: Presentation of student-led inquiry findings

Module 13: Advanced Qualitative Software Training

• NVivo: project setup, coding, and querying
• ATLAS.ti: code-book creation and linking
• Dedoose: collaborative coding and data visualization
• Data visualization using qualitative software
• Troubleshooting and exporting results
• Case Study: Comparative software use in thesis writing

Module 14: Building a Research Proposal

• Define research problem and context
• Align methodology and research questions
• Develop literature review and conceptual framework
• Include ethical considerations and timeline
• Budgeting and resource planning
• Case Study: Proposal review for district-level educational reform

Module 15: Implementation and Dissemination

• Execute research timelines effectively
• Disseminate through workshops, webinars, and publications
• Engage policymakers and practitioners
• Measure impact of research on education
• Develop post-research action plans
• Case Study: Implementation of inclusive education policy informed by research

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and guided discussions
• Hands-on exercises with real-world data
• Group workshops and role-playing interviews
• Peer feedback and collaborative learning
• Software demonstrations (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose)
• Case study-based application of methods

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.