Provided by ASME in Partnership with The Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education (CRMDE) at the University of Birmingham.

This course was held on 8th & 9th June 2009 at The Professional Development Centre, The Medical School, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Aim

To introduce the nature of evidence in education, key principles of research design and their implications for choice of research methods and project planning.

Objectives

By the end of the workshop, members will have knowledge and experience of:

1. the nature of evidence in education;
2. different forms of research design and their application to education projects;
3. methods of analysis, interpretation and reporting for different research designs; and
4. a variety of educational methods including individual work, group work, keynote talks and demonstrations.

Workshop fee

Delegate fees were £630 members of ASME/£690 non-members of ASME and covered:

• Workshop resources and facilities
• Bed and breakfast at Lucas House on the University’s Conference Park
• Buffet lunch and refreshments on both days
• Conference dinner and transport to and from selected restaurant

Day One: (10.00am – 5.15pm)

Morning

• Sessions covered the nature of evidence in education and the differences between audit, evaluation and research. Several forms of research designs were outlined, although the two days focused on experimental, survey, consensus methods and action research designs. Methods include a keynote, group activities and a plenary session.

Afternoon

• Two contrasting approaches to research design were explored: controlled studies and consensus methods. Features of these approaches were introduced with practical examples of their application to educational projects. Methods included group activities, keynotes and plenary sessions.

Day Two: (9.00am – 4.15pm)

Morning

• Action research and mixed methods designs were introduced. Workshop members developed research questions and a research plan for undertaking a study. The morning was principally be devoted to small group activities with a brief keynote and plenary session.

Afternoon

• Analysing, interpreting and reporting data from educational research. Issues of truthfulness and transferability were considered. Methods include role-play, work in small groups, pairs and concluding plenary.

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

Dr Sarah Burke BA, MA, PhD is a Research Fellow in CRMDE where she leads research and evaluation projects in the field of healthcare professional education. She has particular interest in general practice training, genetic education and the patient voice in medical education.

Dr Mike Clapham MSc (MedEd), MB, BS, FRCA, PhD 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.

Dr Graeme Douglas, BSc, PhD is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-director of the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR). Graeme has carried out social and educational research in the area of visual impairment since 1993 and teaches research methods in the School of Education.

Professor David Wall MB ChB with Honours, PGCert, MMEd, FRCGP, FRCP, PhD 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.

The workshop was provided in new premises linked at the University of Birmingham specifically designed for continuing professional education.

Residential accommodation was at Lucas House on the University’s Conference Park (48 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2RA).

A conference dinner was provided off-campus at a restaurant in Birmingham