A Pragmatic Approach to Preparing Novice Doctoral Qualitative Researchers

Fifty percent of social science and education doctoral students in the United States fail to complete their programs. Within this context, studies addressing research methods pedagogy and qualitative methods in particular, continue to be limited. This mixed-methods case study addresses these issues by: 1) using the Ready Develop Integrate Perform (RDIP) model to frame the competency-based design and implementation of an introductory doctoral qualitative core course and its supporting learning management system; and, 2) examining effectiveness using a framework of direct and indirect assessment evidence from online and face-to-face learners. The current design scaffolds students through qualitative research methodology and methods learning and culminates with the implementation of an individually-chosen authentic research project. A sample of online and face-to-face students, representing 37% of eligible participants (n=23), reported a stronger sense of readiness for independent research and dissertation work. In addition to expanding the qualitative methods pedagogical literature and supporting the improvement of doctoral research education, this paper a competency-based design that may be implemented in any disciplinary setting. The detailed blueprint and implementation advice for university teachers makes this work relevant to a broad multidisciplinary and international audience. 

Assessment Systems and Data Management in Colleges of Education: An Examination of Systems and Infrastructure

The College of Education Assessment Infrastructure Survey was developed and administered to 1011 institutions over a twelve-month period ending April 2007. The survey examined the capacity of university-based teacher preparation programs to respond to the growing and increasingly complex data management requirements that accompanies assessment and accountability edicts. The summarized responses of 266 institutions (26%) confirmed that education units have responded to accreditation and accountability mandates though none have relied solely on the institutional-level infrastructure. This has resulted in the implementation of a variety of assessment systems that vary widely in sophistication and cost. Also, the management of these systems is largely a part-time endeavor. Additional and more contextually based studies must be conducted to determine the actual level and type of institutional support, other hidden costs, and the level of return on investment in terms of the effectiveness of these systems and their impact on unit quality outcomes