TEACHING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: LIVING THE LIFE OF A TEACHER-LEARNER

Abstract

This papers deals with the learning experiences in teaching qualitative research to students with quantitative research orientation.  It presents the value of qualitative studies by discovering through working examples the methodologies guided by “from the known to the unknown” principle. The foundations of qualitative research were discussed in comparison with quantitative approaches through familiar situations and cases.  Lessons on sampling, instrument selection, and data analysis were done through pair work, mock interview, journal writing, and analysis of sample data.  The inductive approach to learning worked in drawing the principles of qualitative researches from class activities.  Formulation of the research titles was done by giving the qualitative versions of quantitative studies identified from the problems in their own workplaces or communities. Trial and error method of learning worked since the learners were unsure of their outputs at first and revised them until they were satisfied of their answers.  Teaching was challenging but learning experiences were rewarding finding out that new principles can be drawn inductively from real cases experienced by the students and the teacher as learner.