|
|
|
Feedback is gathered from participants in NZSSN courses and activities, in order to show where improvements could be made. For the 2008 summer programme short courses, full course evaluations were completed by all participants. In summary, the evaluations were very positive, with suggestions for improvement mainly relating to the facilities and/or teaching rooms used for the courses. Descriptions of the courses and some of the data from the course evaluations are presented below.
In February 2008, 5 five-day short courses were offered at the School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington. The online survey run by NZSSN in June 2007 showed a majority vote for Wellington as the site for the courses, despite issues brought up in previous years' evaluations. The following courses were offered this time around. INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 11-15 February 2008 An introductory course in statistical methods with an emphasis on statistical techniques applicable to the social sciences, and focusing on concepts rather than mathematical theory. INTERMEDIATE STATISTICS 18-22 February 2008 A follow-up to the introductory course, with use of the statistical software package R. Topics covered include analysis of variance, time series, regression, and tests appropriate for categorical data. DATA ANALYSIS IN SPSS 18-22 February 2008 This course provides the beginner in quantitative data analysis with the basic requirements for analysis in an SPSS computing environment. It focuses on the analysis of survey, administrative and/or census data. Some basic knowledge of descriptive statistics, Introduction to Statistics, or equivalent experience presumed. USING MIXED METHODS IN RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION 11–15 February 2008 An introductory-level course intended for current and emerging researchers who want to know more about using both qualitative and quantitative methods in their research activities. MIXED METHODS: FROM ANALYSIS TO PUBLICATION 18-22 February 2008 This course focuses on the integration and presentation of data derived from mixed method studies. Good planning, execution and analysis are necessary components of mixed methods research. Many researchers can benefit from more advanced learning in the next important step: how to take the data and develop an integrative presentation where findings are clear and where the various elements combine to illuminate key claims. COURSE EVALUATIONS – OVERVIEW The results presented below have been aggregated across the courses; the responses from each were very similar on most points. Course participants were asked why they chose to do the course – specifically with regard to what their motivation was in improving their research skills. The results from this are shown graphically below.  Along with this, participants were asked what area they were employed in.  Critique of course presenters The participants were asked to judge the performance of the course presenters on four aspects using a 10-point scale with 1 = poor and 10 = very good. The aspects, and mean scores for each, were: • course organisation (8.9) • knowledge of the subject matter (9.6) • presentation of course material (8.9), and • responsiveness to participants’ needs/questions (9.3). Critique of course amenities The participants were asked to judge the quality of the amenities and support that were provided during the course, again using a 10-point scale. The variables examined, and mean scores for them, were: • morning and afternoon teas (7.1) • teaching rooms (7.2) • computing resources (7.7), and • course schedules and timetable (8.3). Course evaluations provide helpful feedback that is used to attempt to improve subsequent activities. The 2008 feedback referred again to the facilities and teaching rooms as the areas where improvements could be made. We are hoping to alleviate these concerns for next time via more thorough surveying of you, our target audience. Watch this site.
|
