The Educational Research Design Sprints help UMB faculty turn an initial educational research idea into a defined research question and study plan.
Across three 90-minute Zoom sessions, participants define a teaching or learning problem, develop research questions, select a study design, and identify next steps (e.g., IRB submission, internal funding).
Who Should Participate
The program is for faculty interested in studying teaching and learning in courses, programs, clinical education settings, or other educational contexts. Participants may join with an initial idea or question. A fully developed research study is not required.
Program Format
Each Design Sprint includes three Zoom sessions over six weeks.
- Session 1: Understand and Define
Participants define the educational problem or phenomenon they want to study and develop research question(s).
- Session 2: Sketch and Decide
Participants consider study designs, methods, participants, and data sources, then select an approach that aligns with their research question(s).
- Session 3: Prototype and Validate
Participants draft a research protocol or project plan and identify next steps.
What Participants Will Develop
By the end of the Design Sprint, participants will have:
- A defined educational research problem
- Research question(s)
- A study design and methodological plan
- A draft research protocol or project proposal
- Next steps for IRB submission, funding, or dissemination
Time Commitment
Three 90-minute Zoom sessions over six weeks.
Registration
Spring 2027 Sprint
Fridays, February 19, March 5, and March 19
12:00–1:30 p.m. via Zoom
Register for Spring 2027 Sprint
Questions
For general inquiries or questions regarding the Educational Research Design Sprints, contact Eric Belt, EdD at eric.belt@umaryland.edu.