Cheryl is a regular contributor to webinars and workshops on campus and globally. Most recently she has offered workshops for the Mixed Methods International Research Association, World Congress of Qualitative Research, Rocky Mountain Methodology Academy, American Educational Research Association, International Institute of Qualitative Methodology, Qualitative Research Summer Intensive, Laurier Summer Institute for Research Methods, a National Teaching Conference in Norway, and for the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta. Please contact me for a list of upcoming workshops. The following are examples of recently offered workshops.
Mixed methods research is most powerful when intentionally designed to address the complexity of realworld problems. Yet designing for meaningful integration is challenging without strategies that help researchers recognize and account for the multiple, interacting complexities shaping the study. This workshop introduces a practical planning approach that uses systems diagrams to make complexity visible and guide integration decisions from the earliest stages of mixed methods design. We use a what–where–who–how framework to guide the use of a systems diagram to clarify the research problem or phenomena under study (what), understand the influential contextual landscape (where), identify key stakeholders and relationships (who), and describe integration procedures and strategies aligned with system dynamics (how). This structured yet flexible framework guides researchers’ planning decisions to be more representative of the study complexities.
How can mixed methods designs be leveraged to prioritize qualitative perspectives in their integration with quantitative research approaches? This short course sheds light on the nine key integration decisions researchers make in qualitatively oriented mixed-methods designs and on how to incorporate evidence of qualitatively prioritized integration in your work.
Designing and teaching high-quality mixed methods training requires thoughtful, intentional pedagogical choices that illuminate how integration functions conceptually, procedurally, analytically, and interpretively across the research process. Yet practical guidance for how instructors can design courses that scaffold the development of integration-specific skills for learners remains scarce. This workshop will guide participants through eight essential instructional decisions that underpin rigorous, engaging, and developmental mixed methods learning. The session examines why centering integration is foundational to high-impact mixed methods teaching. Participants will consider how treating integration as both a methodological principle and a pedagogical anchor strengthens learners’ conceptual grounding, enhances their ability to plan and justify mixed methods designs, and builds the persuasive clarity needed for strong advocacy and credible study proposals. A facilitated discussion will help clarify the value of making integration explicit throughout course design and eight instructional decisions that shape effective mixed methods learning.
This session prepares participants for choosing a qualitative approach that best fits their study purpose. Together we will explore the designs and procedures inherent to five qualitative research approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. The session will be organized around four key questions: What are the origins and defining features of each approach, what types and methods are associated with each approach, what data analysis and writing structures are commonly used for each approach, and what challenges and ethical considerations are likely encountered for each approach? Participants are encouraged to bring study ideas that they can explore during the interactive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to attend fundamentals in qualitative research and more advanced workshops specific to one of the approaches.
With a focus on the topic of case study research, this workshop is intended to provide an introductory overview of the approach spanning planning considerations to conducting procedures. Case studies have a rich history spanning disciplines as a strategy of inquiry, a methodology, and a research method. This session will be organized around three key questions: What are the defining features of a case study? What must be considered when planning case study (or multi-case) research? What are the procedures for conducting a case study (or multi-case study)? Various hands-on activities will be incorporated into the workshop with the aim that participants gain not only a theoretical but also a practical understanding of doing case study research. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas for case studies that they can explore during the interactive workshop. Opportunities for applying their own areas of interest and/or projects to discuss in small groups will be embedded.
With a focus on an overview of the process of qualitative data analysis and general introduction to qualitative data analysis software. This session is aimed at unpacking the process of qualitative data analysis and providing practical guidance because analyzing text and multiple other forms of data presents a challenge for qualitative researchers. The process of analysis spans managing and organizing the data, reading and memoing emergent ideas, describing and classifying codes and themes, developing and assessing interpretations, and representing and visualizing the data. This session is organized around the following questions: How can the overall data analysis be conceptualized as a spiral and what are the key decision points? What are some issues that should be anticipated and how might they be mitigated? What does qualitative data analysis software offer and how do the programs differ? Participants are advised this is an interactive workshop. Participants are also encouraged to attend fundamentals in qualitative research and/or coding and software workshops.
With a focus on introducing those with little or no knowledge of mixed methods research to the field, this session develops a conceptual foundation of how to design and convey a mixed methods research study plan in any discipline. The practice of engaging in designing and conveying mixed methods research studies requires specific knowledge and skills within the field. This session will situate the field of mixed methods and introduce the concept of methodological congruence and what it means for enhancing rigour within mixed methods research. We will then unpack the design process to illuminate key decision points related to the point(s) of interface for qualitative and quantitative types of data. We will discover how these decisions either correlate with existing mixed methods design or lead to new designs. In the afternoon we will engage in the process of designing a mixed methods study in small groups. Finally, we will outline writing structures for successful research proposals and engage in discussion about effective strategies for defending the design to those new (or not!) to mixed methods research. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas for mixed methods studies that they can explore during the workshop and build upon existing knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research designing processes. Opportunities for applying their own areas of interest and/or projects will be embedded. Participants are also encouraged to attend the Managing and Communicating Mixed Methods Research workshop.
With a focus on advancing the knowledge and skills of those with some familiarity and/or experience with mixed methods research, this session develops a conceptual foundation of how to manage and communicate a mixed methods research study in any discipline. The practice of engaging in managing and communicating mixed methods research studies requires specific knowledge and skills in data procedures and writing structures. This session will unpack the process of managing mixed methods research process and provide practical guidance for identifying opportunities for presenting and publishing research outcomes. The session is organized around the following questions: How can the overall data procedures be conceptualized and what are the key decision points? What are common pitfalls that should be anticipated and how might these be mitigated? What are the criteria for evaluating quality in mixed methods research manuscripts and how are these different/similar to qualitative and quantitative research? Participants are encouraged to bring ideas and/or current mixed methods studies that can be developed during the workshop as practical opportunities for applying their emerging understandings will be embedded. Some familiarity with mixed methods research is required and participants are encouraged to have attended the Introducing and Unpacking the Design Process of Mixed Methods Research Workshop or equivalent other experience.
Massive Online Open Modules with the Mixed Methods International Research Association available at mmira.org
Complexity in Mixed Methods Research
Ethics in Mixed Methods Research
Open-access webinars with the Mixed Methods International Research Association and International Institute for Qualitative Methodology available at https://www.ualberta.ca/international-institute-for-qualitative-methodology/webinars/mixed-methods-webinar/index.html
Poth, C., Creamer, E., & Collins, K. (2019, October). Teaching and Learning Mixed Methods Research.
Poth, C. (2017, November). Mixed Methods Research Complexity: Dilemmas and Opportunities.
Poth, C., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2016, February). How mixed methods informs and enhances qualitative research.