Quantitative Methods in SoTL Research

Facilitators:  
Clarissa Lau, PhD, Data Analyst, CTSI
Kyle Turner, MSc, Faculty Liaison, Teaching and Learning, CTSI

Faculty Presenter: Asal Aslemand, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream (CLTA), Department of Mathematical & Computational Sciences (UTM)

This session is part of the 2022 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) webinar series. It provides an overview of quantitative research project planning and discusses commonly used quantitative data collection methods in SoTL. We begin with a discussion on the strengths (and limitations) of using quantitative research designs to answer teaching and learning questions, and then provide a framework for understanding quantitative research methods and developing quantitative research questions. We then provide a basic overview of the practical considerations of quantitative project planning, focusing on data collection via surveys, analysis of class materials, and Quercus analytics.

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. Asal Aslemand, who will address key topics from a recent quantitative project throughout the session. The session includes breakout groups to cultivate discussions with colleagues.

By the end of this session, you will have: 

• Identified and described commonly used quantitative research methods
• Heard from a U of T faculty member 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 quantitative methodology and possible methods of analysis.

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

If you have not attended previous sessions in this series, consider reviewing the session materials (enrol in the SoTL Hub for access) as a background for this session.