Applying Effective Strategies when Teaching Qualitative Research Online

We are honored to have this opportunity to share with you some strategies that will positively affect the results of your teaching a qualitative research method in a long-distance program. Dr. Rebecca Armstrong and Dr. David Hart completed their advanced degrees in an online environment and have subsequently learned more efficient, time-saving, and productive measures to improve the manner in which novice social scientists acquire and retain necessary information about the qualitative research arena. Their previous experiences, along with opinions from current doctoral learners, suggest a need to revise current teaching strategies so that effective online research qualitative studies can be conducted. A new body of skills will aid instructors in their attempts to share necessary information in the classroom so that students might acquire a proficiency that will significantly impact their professional identities earlier in their journey. Instruction of the qualitative research method in an online program can present challenges. However, if online learners hope to effectively learn about the qualitative research method so that their culminating projects will significantly contribute to the social sciences, we have some tips that will assist instructors in their contribution to that process. Our presentation will assist academic colleagues in teaching learners how to sooner grasp relative concepts such as the “aha moment,” a thorough application and understanding of qualitative research designs, the importance of consistently reinforcing self-confidence, and many other crucial lessons required of online learners. We look forward to sharing our stories