1 of 15

Guiding every journey through RESEARCH

Research in Irish Lifelong Guidance Group (RiLG)

Supporting Guidance Practitioners in their research

Aisling Murray Fleming

Dr. Petra Elftorp

Dr. Liam Harkin

Dr. Eimear McDonnell

Dr. Jennifer McKenzie

2 of 15

RiLG website

  • Second workshop
  • Two webinars
  • Sign in to add to our mailing list

3 of 15

Our aims

ENHANCE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN LIFELONG GUIDANCE PRACTICE IN IRELAND

IMPROVE QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, AND ADVOCACY IN GUIDANCE SERVICES

BUILD CREDIBILITY WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS

4 of 15

Why does Research Matter in Guidance

Understanding student/client needs

Understanding

Engaging external stakeholders (parents, employers, community)

Engaging

Informing practice as well as improving service delivery 

Informing

5 of 15

�Practice Based Research

Applying Universal Design Principles in Guidance

Practical Tools for Evidence- Based Practice

How to get started

Methods for Conducting Needs Analysis

6 of 15

Applying Universal Design Principles in Guidance

Practical Applications in Guidance

    • Creating accessible resources for diverse needs
    • Inclusive communication strategies for different audiences

https://www.ahead.ie/udl-framework

7 of 15

Practical Tools for Evidence-Based Practice

    • AI applications
      • ChatGPT
      • Litmaps
      • Grammarly
    • Open Access
      • Google Scholar
      • ERIC through Teaching Council
      • ETBI library
      • OECD
    • Guidance Groups & Bodies
      • NICEC (UK)
      • CICA (Aus)
      • CERIC (Can)
      • IGC / RiLG / AGA

Free to use tools

8 of 15

Getting Started

What do you want to know?

How do you identify your research question?

Why is this important?

9 of 15

  • Feasible
  • Unbiased
  • Specific
  • Ethical

Resources (time, budget, access to research participants)

Use neutral language, be open to all findings, consider potential conflicts of interest

The narrower the question the more focussed the study

Respect for participants’ values, norms and viewpoints and their anonymity

10 of 15

Menti Exercise

https://www.menti.com/alzs787rnb3s

Access Code: 6293 8116

11 of 15

Methods for Conducting Needs Analysis

Surveys: Designing effective questions for meaningful insights (Google Forms, MS Forms)

Focus Groups: Facilitating discussions for deeper understanding

Gathering insights from everyday interactions

Guidance Counsellor Reflections / Informal Feedback

12 of 15

Breakout Discussion Groups �How can you turn your research question into research?  ��

13 of 15

Key things to consider in your research design

Who? (sample)

Where? (recruitment)

How? (method)

14 of 15

Conclusion & Next Steps

ACTION PLAN: HOW TO START APPLYING RESEARCH IN PRACTICE

Q&A AND DISCUSSION

15 of 15

Thank you

research.in.lifelong.guidance@gmail.com