Research Associate – Learning Analytics

at  Western University

ABOUT WESTERN

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

ABOUT US

The mission of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is to foster and enhance best practices in teaching and learning at Western University. To achieve its mission, the Centre utilizes an evidence-based approach to create and deliver programs that support the teaching and learning activities of faculty members, librarians and archivists, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students.

Education:

• Graduate degree in Education or relevant discipline, or equivalent degree with training in qualitative data analysis
• PhD preferre

Experience:

• Experience analyzing qualitative data
• Experience conducting environmental scans and/or literature reviews
• Experience in preparing presentations and reports for varying audiences
• Experience teaching at the university level would be an asse

Skills, Abilities, & Expertise:

• Working knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative research design principles and methods
• Knowledge of learning analytics and related concepts is an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problem

The eLearning Team at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is undertaking a project that involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information about the current state and trends in the use of learning analytics to improve teaching and learning. The first stage of this project involves an environmental scan that seeks to provide answers to a series of guiding questions, such as:

• What are learning analytics?
• What are the benefits of using learning analytics to support teaching practices?
• What are the potential concerns of using learning analytics to support teaching practices?
• How are other institutions using learning analytics to better understand and improve learning?
• What are the tools used to gather learning process data? What information can an LMS provide to support a better understanding of how students learn?

In support of the CTL’s eLearning team, the Research Associate will lead an environmental scan on the use of learning analytics to enhance teaching and learning in higher education. The incumbent will conduct a comprehensive review of the literature, market trends, institutional practices, and stakeholder feedback. Responsibilities may also include developing and administering surveys, and facilitating focus groups with stakeholders, including faculty and students. Responsibilities also include analyzing data and writing a detailed report with actionable recommendations.
The eLearning Team at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to conduct an environmental scan of the use of learning analytics in supporting teaching and learning in higher education. The successful candidate will explore current practices, trends, and tools in learning analytics within higher education.
Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduate degree in Education or relevant discipline, or equivalent degree with training in qualitative data analysis
• PhD preferred

Experience:

• Experience analyzing qualitative data
• Experience conducting environmental scans and/or literature reviews
• Experience in preparing presentations and reports for varying audiences
• Experience teaching at the university level would be an asset

Skills, Abilities, & Expertise:

• Working knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative research design principles and methods
• Knowledge of learning analytics and related concepts is an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems