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Research Assistant Opportunity - Ungrading as a Method for Deepening the Experience of Learning, SFU Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines

May 13, 2020

Simon Fraser University’s Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines invites applications for a Research Assistant appointment for the Teaching and Learning Development Grant project: Ungrading as a Method for Deepening the Experience of Learning (http://www.sfu.ca/istld/faculty/grant-programs/projects/fass/G0359.html), to begin June 2020.

This study is investigating how ungrading changes the experience of learning, how it enhances learning, and what supports work best to make ungrading successful for the students and instructor. By eliminating the comparative and competitive aspects of grading, we hope to understand how ungrading changes the way students relate to the material, to themselves, and to each other. We would also like to understand if ungrading provides a better mental health environment for students.

The research assistant for this project will:

·         Support the project lead in relevant literature review;

·         Develop and create interview questions and protocols in collaboration with the project lead;

·         Coordinate the selection of students to be interviewed;

·         Coordinate and conduct student interviews;

·         Record interviews and maintain notes of all interviews;

·         Transcribe interviews;

·         Conduct qualitative data analysis, including coding of transcriptions;

·         Summarize project findings;

·         Assist the project lead in compiling final report; and

·         Attend regular meetings with the project lead.

Required qualifications and skills:

·         Currently enrolled in a graduate program (MSc, MA, MEd or PhD) at SFU;

·         Expertise in developing interview questions and protocols;

·         Expertise in conducting interviews;

·         Experience transcribing interviews;

·         Excellent knowledge of research and project management principles;

·         Expertise in qualitative research analysis, including coding data;

·         Expertise working with qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVIVO);

·         Experience with instrument design (e.g. surveys, self-reflections tools);

·         Ability to work independently, productively, and creatively;

·         Excellent strong oral and written communication skills;

·         Ability to undertake literature reviews;

·         Skilled in use of Microsoft Office suite; and

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Experience and skills that would be an asset:

·         Experience with teaching and learning research;

·         Interest in approaches that question the system; and

·         Interest in critical approaches to education.

Rate of pay: $24 - $27/hr (incl. vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits) - based on experience, qualifications and degree program. 

Time commitment: 60 to 80 hours; between Summer 2020 and Fall 2020. Possibility of additional hours.

To apply: Applicants should submit: (1) a 1-page cover letter structured to address the qualifications, skills, and role responsibilities as listed above, and (2) a 1-2 page resumé with two references listed. These two items should be organized as one PDF attachment and addressed to Dr. Elise Chenier, and emailed to echenier@sfu.ca.

Note: References will only be requested from short-listed applicants.

Application deadline: May 22, 2020, 4:30 P.M.

We appreciate all replies to this position posting, however, we will only contact short-listed applicants.