Qualitative Methods in SoTL Research

Facilitators: Cora McCloy, PhD, Faculty Liaison Coordinator, SoTL, CTSI Clarissa Lau, PhD, Data Analyst, CTSI

Faculty Presenter: Nicole Laliberte, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Geography, Geomatics and Environment

This session is part of the 2022 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) webinar series. It provides an overview of qualitative research and then discusses commonly used qualitative research methods in SoTL. In Part I of this session, we begin with a discussion on the strengths (and limitations) of using qualitative research methods relative to other methods to answer SoTL-related questions for research. The session mainly addresses how to employ interviews, focus groups, document collection (e.g., reflection journals), and observations (e.g., checklists).

In Part II we address practical considerations such as commonly used technological tools for collecting data, transcription, and coding. The webinar will include opportunities to interact with other participants, to discuss research ideas/questions and possible data collection tools. Participants will have opportunities to learn and gain advice from facilitators and Dr. Nicole Laliberte who will address key topics from her team’s project in both parts of this session. The session includes breakout groups to cultivate discussions with your colleagues.

By the end of this session, you will have: 

• Identified and described four commonly used qualitative research methods
• Heard from a U of T faculty who has undertaken a SoTL project
• Discussed the strengths, challenges and limitations of these data collection methods and approaches
• Addressed possible implementation of each of these methods and where multiple methods of data collection would be appropriate
• Participated in building a community of teaching and learning researchers at U of T
• Considered which key resources to consult to continue your inquiry into qualitative methodology and possible methods of analysis.

This webinar is open to instructors seeking introductory level information on qualitative research methods in SoTL.

Please download and save this webinar Worksheet and have it open for our session. We will use these prompts to guide activities throughout the webinar.  

If you did not attend the March 14th SoTL Webinar, consider reviewing the session materials (click to enrol in the SoTL Hub for access) as a background for this session.