Preparing for Research

Have you been thinking about research? Do you feel overwhelmed on where to begin? Below, I outline my step-by-step guide to getting ready for research. You just need to take one little bite at a time.

Before you begin conducting research, you need to complete the TCPS2 Core Certificate (https://tcps2core.ca/). Click on the purple button to create an account. Then, work your way through the modules. This does take a little while to complete (up to 8 hours or so if you are brand new to research), but you can save your progress and return later.

Then, you need a research idea. Your idea doesn’t need to be ground-breaking or brilliant (though if you have one of those, don’t discard it!). Your research idea will likely be something that begins with “I wonder if…” That is, you’ll come up with a question or problem and then a possible solution. For example, I wonder if using polling in class will improve test performance (or attendance, or something else). Likely, your question will be related to teaching effectiveness or student learning.

Once you have your question, you need to plan the design of the experiment (or other type of research you’re conducting). How will you collect data (or evidence) to help you make a conclusion? This could be using data you have collected previously (Note: you still need REB approval for this- see the secondary use of data form) or data that you plan to collect in the future (again, REB approval is required). A good way to plan these details is to fill out the REB form. It will get you to think about the big picture and also all of the small details, including the resources you require.

Do you require resources? Time on your SWF (there is a form for that!), a research assistant, materials of some kind? If you need funding, that is another thing to consider.

There are various funding opportunities available. ORISE sends out a monthly newsletter with many of these, or you can connect with ORSIE directly. Some funding types to consider include internal research grant, community agencies, and formal external funding. The type of funding needs to match the type of research you are conducting, though most teaching-related research ventures will likely not require any funding.

I hope these steps have helped you to start thinking about your future research project!

As always, if you have any suggestions for things you’d like to see from me, please reach out to me via email or on MS Teams, or pop in during my weekly “office hours” on whereby(dot)com(slash)drlynne. I am on every Friday from 12:30-1:30.

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