ELHE 8204 Data-Driven Decision-Making I
This course introduces students to paradigms and ontological assumptions about data, challenging students to think critically about the nature of information as evidence and its interpretation in educational contexts. Throughout the course, students will develop greater familiarity with conceptual and methodological issues in educational research practices. Focusing on framing research problems and questions, students will develop essential skills in identifying and articulating key issues in higher education research. Students will be introduced to quantified language (correlation, causation) and critical qualitative data collection processes (interviews, focus groups, photo voice). By engaging with real-world data and contemporary research methodologies, students will develop artifacts demonstrating their capacity to meaningfully engage and consume research output in their professional practices. Covers paradigms and ontological assumptions about dataFocuses on framing research problems and questionsCovers qualitative research methods including interviews and focus groups
Course overview
- Department
- Educational Leadership and Higher Education
- School
- Lynch
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Graduate
- Offered
- Every Fall, Every Spring, Every Summer
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.03 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.33 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Andres Castro Samayoa | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 7–9 hrs/week | 6 of 13 |
| Fall 2024 | Andres Castro Samayoa | 4.5 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 11 of 13 |
| Fall 2023 | Andres Castro Samayoa | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11 of 15 |
| Spring 2022 | Andres Castro Samayoa | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 14 of 18 |