Workshops

Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Knowledge

with Shawna Reibling

Learn to making connections between your research or expertise and policy and practice so that your work can have an impact on the audience(s) you want to target. This workshop will take you through a planning process to craft your message and share your research with the audience you want to reach. You will answer questions such as, who will be acting on the findings of your evaluation and has the authority to make decisions? Who is affected by changes to your program? How will results be shared to different stakeholders? 

Prepare: Have a summary ready of the knowledge, research, or information you want to mobilize.

July 23, 2020

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Creating Clear Infographics

with Courtney Arseneau

Are you working on a research project and wonder how you can share your findings to a wider audience? Are you considering creative ways of reporting your results to participants, industry, or the general public? An infographic is one way of sharing your project’s key take-aways clearly and effectively. Infographics can be customized to a variety of audiences and can be shared digitally and in print, making them a good option for summarizing large volumes of information with maximum reach. (Plus, they are fun to make!)

In this workshop, you will learn the purposes, key principles and approaches to creating clear infographics. A variety of examples will be shared to demonstrate the range of ways infographics can serve your knowledge sharing needs. You will engage in activities to practice creating components of an infographic and will learn about different types of software you can use to develop infographics for your research.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint is required. This course is designed for beginners and no previous experience with infographics is required.

Prepare:  No preparation is required. Have your computer with Microsoft Word & PowerPoint installed and/or paper/pen ready to practice mapping out components of an infographic. It may also be helpful to reflect on any existing projects you are working on and consider the role/impact an infographic might have in your work (however, this is not required).

July 20, 2020

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Story Creation Through Film in a Time of Crisis

with Kai Reimer-Watts

Pivoting in the Pandemic

In the current era of multiple converging crises impacting our society, friends, families and communities, it is clearly critical for social change advocates to find ways to ‘get the word out’ more effectively on how best to respond, building toward a more just and sustainable society. The current coronavirus pandemic puts additional restrictions on the potential mediums of response, as physical distancing is encouraged and more and more people move to online modes of communication.

Film-based storytelling is uniquely positioned to communicate the current crises and potential responses, and can reach large audiences who are already presently engaging online.

This online workshop will focus on filmmaking approaches that can be applied in the current situation, providing participants with the opportunity to develop their own powerful short film story to share. This will include a practical exploration of core strategies for film pre-production (concept / story development), production (shooting the film) and post production (editing, polishing and distribution).

The workshop aims to give participants an in-depth understanding of creating a strong short film from start to finish that speaks to the issues of concern to you and your community, connects emotionally with your viewers, and helps move your target audience to action.

Who is this for? Anyone interested in using film as a mode of knowledge mobilization for community-based work, providing you have permission to share it.

Prepare:  Ideally, please have a story in mind, but this is not required.

July 20, 2020

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Generate Reports for a Wide Audience

Introduction to R Markdown

with Greg Rousell

This one-day introductory workshop will teach students the fundamentals of how to create R Markdown scripts to create reproducible reports and presentations in various formats (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, HTML). Students will gain experience constructing several reports from data sets provided to the class.

Prerequisites: This class is appropriate for attendees with experience using R and RStudio who want to create reproducible data analyses and reports that can be shared with a large audience.

July 15, 2020

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Arts-Based Research

with Ciann L. Wilson

This session will serve as an introduction to arts-based qualitative research. Arts-based methods are emerging approaches that involve the use of artistic processes as the mode of inquiry. The workshop will be structured around case studies and the knowledge and lived experiences of participants.

Prepare: Basic understanding of qualitative research

July 20, 2020

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Indigenous Methodologies

with Darren Thomas

This workshop will explore the nature of Indigenous thought and philosophy and its use for Indigenous research theories, methods, and methodologies. Participants will examine Indigenous research issues within Western academic pursuits and the need and priority of implementing Indigenous research methodologies. You will be exposed to aspects of Indigenous research protocols and activities that exist within Indigenous communities.

Prerequisites: Helpful to have knowledge of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge/history/philosophy, but not necessary. Minimal knowledge and awareness of research methods and
methodologies

Prepare: Readings will be provided in the MyLearningSpace platform to complete before the workshop. Participants will be emailed with instructions.

July 17, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Patient-Oriented Community-Based Research

with Francisco Ibanez-Carrasco

The workshop is designed to have fun while reflecting on what we know about mobilizing communities and meaningfully engaging them in community-based participatory research (CBPR).

The key objectives are: a) Acquiring new bold ideas about working with diverse community members in health CBPR; b) Sharing tips to face the digital divide; c) Inspiring and supporting patients, leaders, students and colleagues with CBPR ideas; and d) Discussing ideas on how to show the world your work, what we call Knowledge Transfer/Translation and Exchange.

Given the times we live in, we will use examples, comparisons and contrasts between the 1980s AIDS epidemic (which I lived in the flesh) and COVID19. We will reflect on why those comparisons/contrasts matter when doing research and in public health.

The workshop consists of a three-hour meeting online before the full day online workshop. This way, we make time to meet each other before the full day workshop, to explore the hub (MyLearningSpace platform) together, and to play with unruly technology.

The one-day workshop is a combination of lecturettes (gay short lectures) and activities designed to dip our toes into possible CBPR designs, complications, attitudes, and ways to express and disseminate all aspects of health CBPR.

Prepare: Knowledge of the basic terms of CBR is desirable. Explore www.uwow.ca.

This workshop is split into two parts:

July 23, 2020

morning

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

&

July 24, 2020

full day

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Make the Most of Your Graduate Studies: The Professional Approach

with Jennifer Long

Pivoting in a Pandemic

In this workshop, participants will work through activities to develop their professionalization skills by having a P.L.A.N.: skills of Professional development, Life skills, Academic development, and Networking.

Originally developed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Louisville, PLAN is a framework for understanding and addressing the professional development needs of graduate students.

Using PLAN as a springboard, this session will provide one mini-workshop in each skill area: (1) Professional development - The tried, tested and true research overview (good for any grant or application); (2) Life skills - Navigating Canadian post-secondary institutions where upheaval is the new norm; (3) Academic development - Futurescaping (Design Thinking) to set academic goals and priorities; (4) Networking - Lessons learned on how to avoid a conference flop (aka. Pineapples and Presence).

This workshop is intended for undergraduates entering graduate school, or a current Masters or PhD student enrolled in graduate school.

Prepare: Come equipped with an understanding of their (proposed) research project or grant in mind. Participants Also please complete a Google Forms survey to help the instructor prepare the material (7 days in advance; will be available in MyLearningSpace and you will be emailed with instructions).

July 15, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Project Management 101

with Sarah Ranco

Research is a collaborative effort that depends on the successful coordination of multiple individuals, components and goals.

This workshop will teach you how to oversee effective research teams by introducing you to the fundamental concepts, tools and techniques of project management. It is intended for those who want to build their interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.

Topics covered include basic communication for projects, group processes and dynamics, conflict resolution, managing roles and workloads, and effective decision-making. Attention will also be given to community-based work, and how to use these skills for projects involving community members and organizations as active contributors.

This will be an interactive session; you are encouraged to contribute to an environment of co-learning by bringing your personal experiences, knowledge and questions. This workshop is appropriate for academics and professionals alike.

Prerequisites: None

July 22, 2020

9 a.m. to  12 p.m.

Working Across Difference: An Introduction to Intercultural Learning

with Anne-marie Joy Henry, Ben Yang, Phyllis Power, and Mike Boylan

Pivoting in a Pandemic

Intercultural refers to the meeting of two or more people embodying different cultural contexts. As our world becomes more complex and interconnected, intercultural interaction has increasingly become part of our daily lives.

The ability to communicate across difference is not the sole domain of diplomats or international businesspeople, but a critical life skill for everyone. Developing intercultural skills is important for success in your chosen career, satisfaction in your relationships with others, and to sustain peaceful and harmonious relationships both locally and globally. To relate across difference goes beyond tolerance to an appreciation of diverse perspectives with an ability to leverage difference to grow and create solutions for our changing contexts.

This workshop is based on an experiential learning model and your active participation will be an important element of your learning. The workshop will introduce theoretical models of intercultural learning, as well as practical tools that you can implement in your daily practice.

Prerequisites: None (beginner level)

Join four x 90 min sessions, two each on two consecutive Wednesday mornings

July 15, 2020

9 a.m. to  12 p.m.

July 22, 2020

9 a.m. to  12 p.m.

Description

Qualitative Approaches: Finding the Right Fit

with Lauren Judge

Have you ever wondered about qualitative research and how you can use it for your own work?

Together, in this full-day workshop, we will explore the following five approaches to qualitative research: case study, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative research, and phenomenology. For each approach, we will discuss:

• Origins and defining features
• Associated methods
• Common data analysis and presentation techniques
• Challenges and/or ethical considerations

Please be prepared for breakout group discussions to help clarify and reinforce workshop concepts. This workshop was developed in 2019 for LSIRM by Jennifer Marshman & Margaret Douglin. 

Prerequisites: None, but some basic understanding of the fundamentals of qualitative research is assumed.

Prepare: Participants who wish to do some reading in advance (not mandatory) may wish to explore the following reference as background reading for the session: Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2017). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. A more comprehensive list of resources will be provided at the end of the workshop. 

July 13, 2020

9 a.m. to        12 p.m.

Ethnography & Content Analysis

with Jennifer Long

Ethnography is known as a qualitative research method often used by cultural anthropologists during their extensive fieldwork trips around the world. However, we'll be learning about those ethnographic techniques and approaches that have become popular in North American workplaces and are similar to the tools used by user experience designers and researchers.

Participants in this 1-day workshop will learn about participant observation, ethnographic writing, ethnographic interviews, genealogical research, and auto-ethnography techniques. In addition to learning ethnographic methods, participants will learn qualitative coding techniques associated with content analysis. This session provides an overview of how to select and apply codes, the strengths and weaknesses of different analytical approaches, and best practices when interpreting ethnographic data. Throughout the workshop, participants will work through case studies and in-class projects. You will learn methods and techniques that can be used in the workplace or as a supplement to other research methods.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of qualitative research methods. This session is appropriate for junior researchers, or researchers looking to integrate ethnography as a new research method. 

Prepare: Complete a Google Form providing on the MyLearningSpace platform prior to attending workshop (7 days) to allow the instructor to tailor the course content. Participants will be emailed with instructions.

July 14, 2020

9 a.m. to        4 p.m.

Skills for Effective Interviewing and Focus Groups

with Nicole Burns

Interviewing is the most common method of data collection used in qualitative research. This workshop provides a detailed overview of individual and group interviews, which are the most common methods of data collection used in qualitative research.

By the end of this session, you will be familiar with the benefits and challenges of interviewing, how to create an interview protocol, how to craft effective questions, key skills in conducting the interview, and how to assess the quality of an interview. You will have the opportunity to practice your new knowledge and skills through role-playing in online breakout groups. This workshop is appropriate for academics and professionals alike.

Prerequisites: None

July 13, 2020

1 p.m. to       4 p.m.

Qualitative Analysis

with Katie Cook

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) turns qualitative information (i.e. words, artistic expressions) into research findings. It is the process through which we identify, explain, interpret, and make sense of stories, text and images.

This workshop offers an overview of concepts, approaches and strategies in QDA with a focus on interview data. It provides a comprehensive introduction to thematic analysis, a method that is broadly applicable and widely used.

By the end of this day, you will have a better understanding of how to plan for QDA, be familiar with basic coding techniques, know how to ensure your findings are trustworthy, and be ready to start analysing.

This is a hands-on workshop; you will have opportunity to practice your new knowledge and skill by working with sample data provided online.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of qualitative methods. This workshop is appropriate for academics and professionals alike.

Prepare: Prior thinking about the type of data that may be collected (if participants have a project in mind) would be helpful.

If possible, read Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77 – 101.

July 21, 2020

9 a.m to        4 p.m.

Intro to Nvivo

with Charlie Davis

This 1-day workshop is suitable for people working with qualitative data. The first half will cover basic usage of NVIVO software, organizing data and/or literature, basic coding, and methodological considerations. The afternoon portion will cover intermediate-advanced usage of NVIVO such as, creating a codebook, querying/quantifying data, coding audio/video, organizing classifications, and data visualization.

This workshop is taught using an interactive approach and attendees will be able to practice their skills using NVIVO. Individuals are encouraged to bring a working dataset (e.g. transcripts from interviews or focus groups) or a selection of literature. If you do not have current data or relevant literature to review, a sample transcript and literature will be provided.

Prepare:  Please pre-install the software on your own device so you can follow along.

July 22, 2020

9 a.m. to        4 p.m.

Artificial Intelligence/AI, Data and Ethics:

An Introduction to Critical Considerations for Real World Settings

with LLana James

In popular media and the market place, artificial intelligence (AI) is presented with unfettered optimism. AI, however, is not benign and/or objective. Innumerable misuses and abuses result in preventable harm to humans, the environment and governance systems.

This introductory workshop will provide you with a rare glimpse behind the hype. It offers an overview of critical issues, ethical concerns and opportunities relating to existing and emerging AI applications in the Canadian context.

Learners will gain: a) an applied understanding of the relationship between AI and data; b) insights into the numerous ethical issues that plague the relationship between data, data privacy, law and AI and the related implications for everyone from coders and employers to governments and end users; c) the skills to effectively differentiate between AI hype and AI reality using an evidence-informed approach; d) knowledge of the top seven most important yet least discussed AI and data issues you need to know about.

Case studies highlight issues to consider with researchers, clinicians, decision-makers, and end users in mind.

Prerequisites:  This workshop is designed for people who are interested in acquiring knowledge about AI, data and ethics. It is suitable for people that do or will develop, implement and/or use AI.

You do not need to have any computational or data science training, coding or programming or experience.

Prepare: 1) Complete and submit survey and 2) read materials provided on the MyLearningSpace platform (you will be emailed with instructions)

This workshop takes place on two consecutive afternoons:

July 21, 2020

1 p.m. to  4 p.m.

&

July 22, 2020

1 p.m. to  4 p.m.

Cost:

1-day rate

Questionnaire Design, Sampling & Recruitment

with Sean Simpson

Many people underestimate the art and science that goes into developing and designing a good survey. This 2-day workshop will help you develop surveys that are both valid (truly answer your research questions) and reliable (respondents understand what you are asking).

The instructor - the Vice President of Ipsos Public Affairs in Canada - will draw on several decades of research on survey design and response process as well as his own experience as a researcher, teacher and consultant in survey design. It is the perfect synthesis between theoretical and practical, real-world approaches.

Among other topics, conceptualization, operationalization, the survey development process, survey structure and format, question wording, and online surveys will be discussed. The workshop is conducted in an interactive way and participants will be able to apply their knowledge through practice exercises.

Prerequisites: It is easy to follow with no prior knowledge needed. 

July 20 & 21, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

We All Count:

Quantitative Data Equity & Ethical Issues

with Heather Krause

Pivoting in the Pandemic

Very few people use data and quantitative analysis because they want to promote racist or sexist ideas. However, it’s very easy to accidentally fall into these traps, particularly when there’s so much talk about the objectivity of evidence.

It’s really easy to make mistakes when using data. A working understanding of how to incorporate ethics and equity into data products is essential for anyone conducting data analysis or making decisions based on data analysis.

This workshop will guide learners hands-on through the process of learning to identify inequity and hidden bias at seven key stages of the data product lifecycle. This is an interactive skill-building workshop that delivers a seven-step process, real-world examples at each step and hands-on exercised accessible to both data analysts and C-Suite decision-makers.

We will work with real world examples including the current COVID-19 crisis, the integration of Syrian refugees into Canada, and social impact projects around the globe.

This lively, interactive workshop offers tools and materials for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. The workshop is based on stories drawn from the real world designed to illustrate why the materials are relevant and directly meaningful to the participant’s lives. Hands-on activities are provided so that abstract ideas are brought down to a concrete level.

Participants leave with checklists as well as an individually crafted plan of their first step in applying the skills they learned in their work.

Prerequisites: None

July 13, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Intro to Analysis with R

with Derek Gray

R is a powerful and open-source software package for statistical analysis that is, by some measures, becoming the standard for data analysis in the private, public and academic sectors. Its strengths are its open nature, flexibility, its capacity to produce compelling and informative graphics and the thousands of users that produce an astonishing array of packages that enable the software to perform statistical analyses.

This day-long session will introduce participants to R tailored to their topics of interest and level of familiarity with statistics and data analysis. Topics will include basic data management strategies, producing descriptive and bivariate statistics, the linear and generalized linear model and data visualization. 

Prerequisites: This is a beginner course, and therefore does not require any specific prerequisites. An introductory statistics class would be beneficial, as would some experience working with a computer programming language. A lack of either of these experiences will not hinder your success in the course.

Prepare:  Please pre-install the software on your own device so you can follow along.

July 13, 2020

9 a.m. to  12 p.m.

Advanced Analysis with R

with Derek Gray

This workshop will provide a brief overview of working with R and R Studio before touching on some advanced topics in R. The topics will be tailored to the interests of participants, but could include the use of R Markdown, analysis of repeated-measures designs, multiple regression analysis with automatic variable selection, running simple simulations, multivariate analysis using Principle Components Analysis and Redundancy Analysis, and the creation of publication-quality figures, including those with multiple panels embedded in a single figure.

Prequisites:  The LSIRM introductoryworkshop or an undergraduate statistics course and basic familiarity with R is recommended.

Prepare:  Please pre-install the software on your own device so you can follow along.

July 14, 2020

9 a.m. to  12 p.m.

Intro to SPSS

with Anthony Piscatelli

This 1-day workshop is ideal for anyone working, or planning to work, with survey data. This workshop introduces basic skills in data analysis using SPSS. The day will mix discussion of statistical analysis principles (e.g. variables, formulating hypotheses, levels of measurement, univariate statistics, bivariate statistics, etc.) with hands-on training. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to import data into SPSS, recode variables, generate tables, and execute some basic descriptive analysis.

Prerequisites: No background in research methods or statistical analysis is required. 

July 16, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Advanced SPSS: Intro to Regression

with Andre Perella

This 1-day workshop is geared toward those hoping to gain a basic understanding of regression analysis using SPSS. The workshop will start with simple bivariate linear regression and move onto multivariate regression with continuous, discrete and binary dependent variables. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to import data into SPSS, recode variables, run regression models and interpret results.

Prerequisites: This session offers training in advanced techniques. It is required that participants have a solid understanding of basic concepts in quantitative methodology, such as variable scales (nominal, ordinal, continuous), and should have a basic understanding of the meaning of inferential statistics (e.g., “statistical significance”). Most importantly, students should have a background in basic SPSS usage and coding. Intermediate level of knowledge

Prepare:  Please pre-install the software on your own device so you can follow along.

There will be a manual for particiapants to review beforehand on the MyLearningSpace platform; instructions will be emailed to you.

July 17, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Text Mining and Text Analytics Using R

with Martin Qiu

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to text mining and text analytics using R/R Studio. The primary objective is to help scholars expand their skill sets by integrating text analytics into their research. The workshop focuses on the applications of sentiment analysis and the development of social media metrics.

In addition, to cater to the increasing demand in natural language processing, the workshop also covers basic applications in text mining such as string operations, word segregation, wordcloud, n-grams, and tf-idf.

Prerequisites: 1. An undergraduate-level statistic/econometric course or equivalent; 2. Intermediate level knowledge of R and R Studio.

Prepare: The instructor will provide lecture slides and R language codes on the MyLearningSpace platform; you will be emailed with instructions.

July 16, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Generate Reports for a Wide Audience

Introduction to R Markdown

with Greg Rousell

This one-day introductory workshop will teach students the fundamentals of how to create R Markdown scripts to create reproducible reports and presentations in various formats (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, HTML). Students will gain experience constructing several reports from data sets provided to the class.

Prerequisites: This class is appropriate for attendees with experience using R and RStudio who want to create reproducible data analyses and reports that can be shared with a large audience.

July 15, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

with Simon Coulombe

Pivoting in the Pandemic

Structural equation modelling (SEM) is a statistical technique that encompasses multiple linear regression, path analysis, factor analysis and causal modelling with latent variables in a unified framework. Health and social scientists as well as market researchers can use SEM to create powerful models that explain various aspects of human behaviours, from well-being to social attitudes and consumer behaviour.

This workshop covers the main background principles of SEM, preparing data for SEM, model-building strategies, and applications of SEM in health and social sciences. It also covers different techniques that are part of the SEM "family": path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural regression models, and cross-lagged structural equation modelling. Latent profile/class analysis is also introduced. SEM analysis will be demonstrated using Mplus, a command-driven program.

The analysis will be exemplified using de-identified data from a recent study conducted by Dr. Coulombe and his team on the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the mental health of Canadian workers.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with multiple linear regression and factor analysis

July 23 - 24, 2020

9 a.m. to  4 p.m.