Evidence-based Practices (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

You can study the theoretical part independently according to your own schedule. It must be completed before coming to the workshops. The workshops are scheduled towards the end of the course timetable.

Objective

Aim of the course:
The purpose of the course is advancing students’ understanding of the basics of an evidence-based work process and their ability to apply evidence-based practices in their field.

Course competences:
Learning to learn
Proactive development
Sustainable development

Learning outcomes:
After this course, you will be able to explain some of the key concepts of the evidence-based process and apply its phases appropriately. You will be able to acquire, read, evaluate critically and apply national and international research evidence and good practices in your field. You approach studies from the perspective of sustainable development in relation to topical phenomena. You will be able to assess your competence and identify its development areas.

Content

The core content of the course comprises the starting points and process of evidence-based work as well as good practices in your field. You will focus on research methodology, information searches, reading of research articles, and critical evaluation and putting into practice of evidence. You will explore current good practices in your field and familiarise yourself with scientific publications. You will practise reading studies from the perspective of sustainable development in relation to topical phenomena and practices.

Location and time

The theoretical part of the course is completed online independently. The workshops are time-bound contact webinars.

Teaching methods

The course consists of two parts: non-stop theory 2 credits and practical workshops 1 credit.

The theoretical part you will study independently according to your own schedule. Non-stop includes teaching recordings, reading materials and various web-based exercises in Moodle. At the end, your knowledge will be tested in an exam.

Once you have completed the theory part, you can participate in workshops. In the workshops, you will go deeper into the theoretical topics and apply the knowledge in small groups. There are 3 different types of workshops, all of which you must pass.

Directions for using AI are found in Moodle-workspace.

Exam schedules

Detailed timetables can be found in the Moodle workspace. You have the flexibility to take the course exam at a time of your choosing, either as an exam at Jamk or at your nearest university, where you can make an exam visit. For more information, please see the Moodle workspace.

Completion alternatives

You can apply for credit accreditation for the theory part of the course on a previous university degree (bachelor's or master's) in which you have completed a course or courses related to evidence-based learning. You cannot apply for credit for the workshops. Please compare your previous studies with the content of this course and discuss with your tutorteacher. Apply for partial admission via eAHOT to the responsible teacher. Register for the course as usual and come to complete the workshops.

Student workload

The course is 3 credits in total, i.e. 81h of student work.

Nonstop theoretical part 2op or 54h:
Recordings
Reading materials
Moodle assignments

Workshops 1op or 27h
There are 3 different types of workshops, each of which requires preparation and self-assessment afterwards. The workshop itself lasts 4h, 2h for preparation and 2h for self-evaluation.

Workshop 1: Why is evidence based work important and what kind of evidence exists? 9h
Workshop 2: Reading and critically evaluating the evidence 9h
Workshop 3: Putting evidence into practice 9h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Adequate 1
You are able to explain the starting points and phases of evidence-based practices on a simple level.
You recognise some basic concepts of research methodology. You practise the basics of searching for information. You manage reading research evidence and evaluating it critically at a beginner’s level. You practise and reflect on putting evidence into practice. You recognise some perspectives of sustainable development. You are able to name some current good practices in your field.

Satisfactory 2
You are able to explain and illustrate the starting points and phases of evidence-based practices. You recognise basic concepts of research methodology. You know how to search for information independently and identify different databases. You are able to read research evidence, and your critical evaluations of evidence are justified. You practise and reflect on putting evidence into practice. You recognise some perspectives of sustainable development. You are able to name and reflect on some current good practices in your field.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
You are able to explain and illustrate the starting points and stages of evidence-based practices diversely. You recognise basic concepts of research methodology and apply your knowledge of them with justifications. You know how to search for information independently as well as identify different databases. You are able to read research evidence, and your critical evaluations of it are justified and diverse. You reflect on putting evidence into practice critically and from several perspectives. You take perspectives of sustainable development into consideration. You are able to name and reflect on some current good practices in your field.

Very good 4
You are able to explain and analyse starting points and phases of evidence-based practices diversely. You recognise basic concepts of research methodology and apply your knowledge of them with justifications. You know how to search for information independently as well as identify different databases. You are able to read research evidence at a detailed level. Your critical evaluations of evidence are justified, versatile and comparative. You reflect on putting evidence into practice critically and from several perspectives. You examine the perspectives of sustainable development diversely. You also take ethical perspectives into account in the evidence-based process. You are able to name and reflect on some current good practices in your field with justifications.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5

You are able to explain and analyse starting points and stages of evidence-based practices diversely. You recognise basic concepts of research methodology diversely and apply your knowledge of them with justifications and merit. You are capable of searching for information independently, identify different databases, and demonstrate familiarity with the information search process and its documentation. You are able to read and summarise research evidence at a detailed and analytical level. Your critical evaluations of evidence are justified, versatile and comparative. You reflect on putting evidence into practice critically and from several perspectives. You examine the perspectives of sustainable development diversely. You also take ethical perspectives into account in the evidence-based process. You are able to name and reflect on current good practices in your field with justifications.

Further information

The theoretical part is assessed numerically by an exam on a scale of 0-5. Other smaller tasks are graded pass/fail. Workshops are graded pass/fail.

You will also carry out self- and peer-assessment.