A two-day workshop to introduce examples of the most commonly used methods in education research.

By the end of the workshop, members should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of questionnaire design, presentation and coding.
2. Understand the importance of initial analysis using descriptive statistics.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of different types of interview.
4. Develop an understanding of methods for analysing interview data.

Members will also have gained experience of a variety of educational methods including individual work, group work, keynote talks and demonstrations.

Programme

Day One	(10.00am - 5.15pm)
Introduction	Purposes and processes in education research will be introduced and approaches to defining research questions
Questionnaires	Principles of design, content and administration are introduced with activities including: designing and presenting a questionnaire; data management; analysis; interpretation and reporting
Day Two	(9.00am - 4.15pm)
Interviews	Principles of design, content and administration will be presented using examples of interviews. Ways of managing interview material reviewed will be reviewed with opportunities to practice analysis, interpretation and reporting
Presenting Outcomes	Using questionnaires and interviews in projects and presenting the outcomes

Methods will include keynote talks, group activities, work in pairs and plenary sessions.

Staffing

The workshop will be led by three CRMDE colleagues from four named below who combine expertise in clinical practice, research and research training in medical and other areas of education.

Dr Alison Bullock BA, PhD, PGCE is a Senior Research Fellow in CRMDE where she leads research and evaluation projects on the education of dentists and medics with a particular interest in the impact of continuing professional development on practice and patient care.

Dr Mike Clapham MSc (MEd) MB BS FRCA is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia. His educational interests include: the teaching skills of Consultants and SpRs; local assessments; and processes for helping doctors and dentists with/in difficulties.

Professor Hywel Thomas BA, MEd, PGCE, PhD is Director of CRMDE. His research career includes leading more than thirty major projects and smaller studies in the UK and overseas. As Head of the School of Education for ten years to 2003, he led the School to five-ratings in the last three Research Assessment Exercises.

Professor David Wall MB ChB with Honours, PGCE, MMEd, FRCGP, FRCP is Deputy Regional Postgraduate Dean in the West Midlands Deanery, its Head of Education and a GP from 1974 to 2004. His education research interests include evaluation studies, curriculum, teaching the teachers initiatives and educational needs studies.

Accommodation and facilities

• The workshop will be provided in new premises linked at the University of Birmingham specifically designed for continuing professional education
• Residential accommodation will be at Lucas House on the University's Conference Park (48 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2RA)
• A conference dinner will be provided off-campus at a restaurant in Birmingham