One of the last MAXDAYS sessions was a presentation by Joel Drevlow on “Teaching Qualitative Data Analysis with MAXQDA.” Drevlow is a freelance consultant/researcher and has a company called iQDAS Consulting. Drevlow has experience as a MAXQDA Certified Trainer and program evaluator. He asked the audience to consider the complicated relationship between software and analysis. The question “when do you teach software?” came up for discussion. Drevlow emphasized that the analysis is aligned with use of the software. In instructional settings, Drevlow noted that the learning goal(s), instructor’s role, audience, and delivery are important considerations for use of teaching software use. Instructors should consider whether they are emphasizing a specific task or project and if they desire a broad overview of a deep dive. Drevlow encouraged the development or research questions before diving into the details of the software, for example. The next question that Drevlow encouraged the audience to consider when teaching qualitative data analysis was: “what is your role?” In-person and virtual training settings will impact how understanding checks will be used. Drevlow shared ideas for access to the software and student licenses. Several useful tips were shared!
