A doctoral seminar in qualitative research methods: Lessons learned

Abstract

New qualitative research methods continue to emerge in response to factors such as renewed in-Terest in mixed methods, better understanding of the importance of a researcher's philosophical stance, as well as the increased use of technology in data collection and analysis, to name a few. As a result, those facilitating research methods courses must revisit content and instructional strategies in order to prepare well-informed researchers. Approaches range from paradigm to pragmatic emphasis. This descriptive case study of a doctoral seminar for novice qualitative re-searchers describes the intricacies of the syllabus of a pragmatic approach in a constructiv-ist/social constructionist learning environment. The purpose was to document the delivery and faculty/student interactions and reactions. Noteworthy were the contradictions and frustrations in the delivery as well as in student experiences. In the end, student input led to seminal learning experiences. The confirmation of the effectiveness of a constructivist/social constructivist learn-ing environment is applicable to higher education pedagogy in general.