A good quantitative methods course for graduate students should use multiple teaching methods, be relevant to their field of study, require real-life projects, and have accessible instructors. Students should choose a course with quality teaching materials and in their field of study, and ideally, one where they can carry out a research project and have access to the instructor or tutor.
A quantitative methods course is designed to teach students how to use quantitative research methods in various academic fields. Courses in quantitative methods are generally offered at the university level for graduate students. The best courses employ multiple teaching methods, are relevant to the major field of study the student wants to pursue, require the student to use the quantitative methods taught in the course in a real-life project or activity, and provide adequate access to the instructor or a tutor.
One way to choose the best quantitative methods course is to choose one where the professor or instructor uses a variety of quality teaching methods and teaching materials. Instructors for these courses will likely give lectures, but they should also provide clear, concrete examples and allow students to work together in small groups to discover course concepts. Some instructors offer in-person classes and some online sessions or activities because technology is such a big part of 21st century learning and research. A helpful book that clearly explains quantitative methods and is accompanied by appropriate instructional websites, a calculator, and computer-based learning materials and programs is recommended. To find out if the instructor employs multiple teaching modalities and quality materials, it can be helpful to ask the instructor, read the course curriculum, and talk to students who have already taken the class.
It is also important to choose the best quantitative methods course to select one of the major fields of study being undertaken. A master’s or doctoral program that requires research will usually require at least one course in quantitative methods. With a choice, the student must choose the one that best fits their interests and research needs and career goals. For example, very different quantitative research methods will be used by those majoring in psychology compared to those studying sociology, biology or mathematics. The choice of the best course, therefore, must be specific to the academic area of interest.
If possible, when selecting a quantitative methods course, the student should choose one in which he will be required to carry out and present an actual research project or study, using the methods taught in the course. Learning research methods from a book and reading examples of quantitative research is essential for becoming familiar with the techniques and course material. In fact, using the methods to complete a research study, write about it, and present it as an actual researcher can be much more helpful. This practical work can help the student to understand and appreciate quantitative research methods much more deeply.
A final way to choose the best quantitative research methods course is to choose one, if possible, where the instructor is accessible in class, during office hours, and by email or phone should questions arise about the course material. . Some instructors also use available tutors or graduate assistants to provide assistance when needed. Having access to the instructor or tutor and being able to ask questions and receive help when needed are good indications of a quality quantitative methods course.
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