Training Course on Educational Research Methods for Leaders

Training Course on Educational Research Methods for Leaders

Introduction

In today’s data-driven educational landscape, Educational Research Methods for Leaders has become an essential area of expertise. Training Course on Educational Research Methods for Leaders equips education professionals, administrators, and policymakers with practical tools and research-driven strategies to foster evidence-based decision-making, enhance curriculum development, and improve institutional effectiveness. It emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative research methods, enabling leaders to formulate relevant research questions, interpret complex data, and implement transformative educational practices.

With a strong focus on strategic analysis, policy implications, and innovative research design, this training bridges theory and practice for 21st-century educational leaders. The curriculum integrates data collection techniques, ethical research practices, and critical thinking, providing a robust framework for tackling real-world challenges in schools, universities, and ministries. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with the tools necessary to initiate, analyze, and evaluate educational research that leads to measurable impact and sustainable change.

Course Objectives

1. Understand foundational educational research frameworks.
2. Apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies in leadership contexts.
3. Conduct evidence-based decision-making for school improvement.
4. Evaluate research validity, reliability, and credibility.
5. Design impact-driven research proposals.
6. Analyze and interpret data using SPSS and NVivo tools.
7. Foster ethical research practices and compliance.
8. Develop data visualization skills for educational reports.
9. Use action research models in education reform.
10. Leverage predictive analytics for policy forecasting.
11. Integrate inclusive research practices for diverse learners.
12. Critically appraise peer-reviewed research articles.
13. Lead research-driven innovation in education systems.

Target Audience

1. School Principals and Vice Principals
2. University Administrators and Faculty Heads
3. Curriculum Designers and Education Planners
4. Policy Makers in Education Ministries
5. Educational Researchers and Analysts
6. Academic Coordinators and Deans
7. Graduate Students in Education Leadership
8. Nonprofit and NGO Educational Program Managers

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Educational Research

• Understanding research purpose and scope
• Historical evolution of education research
• Differences between basic and applied research
• Ethical considerations in educational studies
• Key research terminology
• Case Study: Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Implementation Study

Module 2: Problem Identification and Research Questions

• Recognizing real-world educational problems
• Narrowing down focus areas
• Writing effective research questions
• Reviewing relevant literature
• Hypothesis formation
• Case Study: Literacy Gap Analysis in Rural Uganda

Module 3: Quantitative Research Designs

• Experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• Variables and measurement
• Sampling strategies
• Survey design and implementation
• Statistical analysis basics
• Case Study: Impact of Teacher Incentives on Student Performance in Ghana

Module 4: Qualitative Research Designs

• Case study, ethnography, and grounded theory
• Interview and focus group techniques
• Observational methods
• Thematic analysis
• Triangulation in qualitative research
• Case Study: Exploring Cultural Barriers to Female Education in Northern Nigeria

Module 5: Mixed Methods Research

• Integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Designing a mixed-method study
• Benefits and limitations
• Data convergence and validation
• Reporting findings in mixed-method studies
• Case Study: Digital Literacy in Urban vs. Rural Schools in South Africa

Module 6: Literature Review and Research Gaps

• Purpose of a literature review
• Searching scholarly databases
• Synthesizing existing studies
• Identifying knowledge gaps
• Structuring the review logically
• Case Study: STEM Education Trends in East Africa

Module 7: Sampling Techniques

• Probability vs. non-probability sampling
• Sample size estimation
• Random sampling methods
• Purposeful and convenience sampling
• Addressing sampling bias
• Case Study: School Dropout Surveys in Informal Settlements

Module 8: Data Collection Tools and Instruments

• Designing effective questionnaires
• Interview guides and observation checklists
• Digital data collection tools (KoboToolbox, ODK)
• Pilot testing tools
• Ensuring validity and reliability
• Case Study: Using Mobile Data Tools for Monitoring School Feeding Programs

Module 9: Data Analysis Using SPSS

• Data entry and cleaning in SPSS
• Descriptive and inferential statistics
• t-tests, ANOVA, and regression
• Output interpretation
• Visualizing results with graphs and charts
• Case Study: Mathematics Achievement Trends in Private vs. Public Schools

Module 10: Data Analysis Using NVivo

• Setting up NVivo projects
• Coding and categorization
• Word frequency and text queries
• Visualization and modeling
• Writing qualitative reports
• Case Study: Teacher Attitudes Toward Inclusion Practices

Module 11: Action Research for School Improvement

• Principles of action research
• Planning and implementing interventions
• Monitoring progress
• Collaborative research with stakeholders
• Reporting and presenting results
• Case Study: Increasing Attendance Through Parent Engagement Initiatives

Module 12: Ethics in Educational Research

• Understanding informed consent
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
• Managing ethical dilemmas
• Conducting ethical research with children
• Case Study: Ethics Review of Youth Counseling Research

Module 13: Writing Research Proposals and Reports

• Structuring research proposals
• Budgeting and timelines
• Writing executive summaries
• Formatting references and citations
• Presenting data visually and textually
• Case Study: Proposal Submitted to UNESCO for Early Childhood Research

Module 14: Policy-Oriented Research

• Linking research to policy
• Conducting policy analysis
• Influencing policy with findings
• Strategic dissemination of research
• Collaborating with government and NGOs
• Case Study: Evaluation of National Teacher Deployment Policy in Malawi

Module 15: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Impact

• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Indicators and outcomes
• Impact assessment
• Disseminating results for change
• Feedback loops in research
• Case Study: Long-Term Impact Study of Leadership Training Programs

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with real-world applications
• Hands-on activities using SPSS and NVivo
• Group discussions and peer feedback
• Research simulations and role-playing
• Case study analysis and presentations
• Guided proposal development and review

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.