Using Surveys in Teaching & Learning Studies

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

Faculty Presenter: Michelle Arnot, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, Pharmacology & Toxicology

This session is part of the 2022 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) webinar series. It provides an overview of the practical design and use of surveys and related tools, focusing on their use in collecting data relevant to teaching and learning. We begin with a discussion on the strengths (and limitations) of surveys relative to other methods, including the types of research questions that surveys best address. We then provide an overview of designing and assessing survey questionnaires, including adapting validated instruments/scales. Finally, this webinar also provides practical guidance for conducting surveys in SoTL settings, particularly around eliciting responses.

The webinar will include opportunities to interact with other participants to discuss research ideas/questions and survey design considerations. Participants will have opportunities to learn and gain advice from facilitators and Dr. Michelle Arnot, who will address key topics from recent survey work in teaching and learning throughout the session. The session includes breakout groups to cultivate discussions with colleagues.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Identify research questions that can be answered with surveys
• Identify types of surveys, and variables which can be assessed with surveys
• Make informed choices on the use of appropriate survey instruments
• Design effective survey questionnaire items
• Disseminate surveys and collect data

This webinar is open to instructors seeking introductory level information on surveys as a tool 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.