Selecting Measurement Instruments in TEL Research

Selecting Measurement Instruments in TEL Research

📅 Tuesday 19/05 14:00-13:30h

📍 Workshop Space A

🔎 Needs Analysis

Many TEL PhD candidates struggle to identify, select and apply appropriate measurement instrument for their studies. Measurement in TEL can be challenging due to its interdisciplinary nature and the sheer number of available instruments. As a result, PhD candidates often rely on ad-hoc measures or overlook validated scales that would strengthen their research. This workshop addresses these needs by offering an accessible overview of established, validated measurement instruments relevant for TEL (e.g. to measure motivation, engagement or usability).

📒 Session Description

This workshop addresses a common challenge faced by PhD candidates in TEL: How and where do I find the right instrument for my study and what constitutes a good measurement tool? To answer this, we focus on these guiding questions: what instruments are available, where to find them, and how do I decide which one to use? Participants will work in small groups, starting from a concrete research question. Using a structured decision-flow, distributed as a hand-out, they will be guided step-by-step through the process of selecting the appropriate, validated measurement instrument. They will explore how to identify and access existing tools, apply the decision flow to justify their selection and discuss their reasoning and challenges. At the end of the session, each group will present a short rationale of their chosen instrument. We will close the workshop with a joint discussion on common challenges, best practices, and remaining questions related to measurement in TEL.

💡 Learning Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify established measurement instruments commonly used in TEL research
2. Select appropriate instruments for their own research questions and designs
3. Apply existing measurement instruments to a specific research plan
4. Recognize common pitfalls in instrument selection and application
5. Reflect on their own planned or ongoing studies and refine them through peer feedback