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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Research for Impact by University of Cape Town

4.9
stars
143 ratings

About the Course

This course is about the Research for Impact approach - a set of principles and practices that will help you to make your research more impactful. Traditionally, the goals and outcomes of research projects were to contribute knowledge and communicate this knowledge through academic publications and journal articles. But If we truly want our research to have an impact, we need to do research differently. Research that influences change in policy, practice, behaviour, and attitudes. On this six-week journey, Jesse DeMaria-Kinney and Mark New share their experience of the Adaptation at Scale for Semi-arid Regions (ASSAR) Project, where they developed and refined the Research for Impact approach. They are joined by researchers and practitioners who followed this approach in their research. Together you will explore the five elements of the Research for Impact approach, i.e. Theory of Change; Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Communication, Capacity Development; and Influencing. You will also get opportunities to hear from researchers and practitioners on the ground who followed this approach and hopefully become inspired and equipped to incorporate these principles into your own research projects. The course is free to enroll and take. You will be offered the option of purchasing a certificate of completion, which you become eligible for if you successfully complete the course requirements. This can be an excellent way of staying motivated! Financial Aid is also available....

Top reviews

Y

Jul 18, 2020

I don't have money to pay for issue of certificate.I have completed Research for impact course successfully.I am sponsored by Kommuri Pratap Reddy Institute of Technology.Kindly issue e-certificate.

GR

May 23, 2020

Great experience in my career "to learn in a short period". Changed my idea of research for a great level. Thanks so much much Coursera, Oxfam and University of Capetown.

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26 - 50 of 52 Reviews for Research for Impact

By ANKUR U

Jan 4, 2022

Really great course with a focus on practical aspects of learning. There are no complaints, but appreciation for the course makers. But, there's general feedback that there should be a more structured way for the peer-graded assessments. When there are no assessments to review (even when you have submitted your tasks before the deadline), you feel a little demotivated.

By Jose A P C

Aug 23, 2022

Research plays a pivotal role in various fields and settings. In the noble field of development and humanitarian work, we conduct and use research studies to conceptualize, plan, and implement appropriate programs and projects for and with the target priority sector(s). Research also aids us in advocating, lobbying, and influencing change in policies, practices, and behaviors that affect the underprivileged and marginalized. As a development work practitioner, I certainly find so much value in accomplishing this course and learning new concepts, tools, and processes that can potentially make my future professional and academic research undertakings more impactful. Through the Research for Impact approach, I was able to learn about the importance of Theory of Change (ToC), stakeholder mapping, Net-Map, power analysis, among others. The course also underscored that in dealing with complex problems and/or systems, the processes are nonlinear and iterative. Thus, the idea of “dancing” with the system is crucial as it enables researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to embrace its dynamic nature, adapt to its complexity, and influence the way it functions.

What I also appreciate about this course is how the five elements of the Research for Impact approach were presented in a compartmentalized manner each week while keeping in my mind that these elements are all interdependent and interrelated. I love how the course syllabus was crafted in a way that the flow of discussion of various concepts as well as of the case studies turned out to be cohesive and learner-friendly. In addition, the practice and graded quizzes and peer-reviewed assignments were helpful in reinforcing in-depth learning and appreciation of Research for Impact. Finally, I am grateful to Coursera and its partner institutions, the University of Cape Town and Oxfam, for allowing me to take full advantage of this course through financial aid. Thank you so much!

By Indu K

Feb 15, 2023

The course has the right mix of theory and practical information. Having an University and an NGO (practitioner) design and run the course has resulted in the information being packaged in a manner that makes it possible to immediately use the principles taught in the field, while understanding the concepts and the context behind them. The latter has helped me understand the basis of effective research and makes it possible for me to apply what I have learnt to different situations while still keeping the core idea - research with people that results in real life change - in focus.

By Jana R

Oct 15, 2023

This was a great course that added great value to my understanding of research for impact. It offered me a better overview of the Theory of Change, and I will be able to implement it better. Research for impact will also benefit me in the area of translating research for different stakeholders to achieve greater impact. Thank you for this excellent course. I highly recommend it to anyone in the field of research wanting to make a greater impact with their work.

By Philemon M

Sep 18, 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I have learned a lot. I underestimated myself, and for this hesitated to do the assessments in good time. I actually never had to resubmit anything because I passed first time round. My confidence is boosted after achieving a pass mark of 96%!

I am impressed with the adult online learning method, and the efficiency of Coursera.

Messages of feedback and encouragement work well!

By Patience L

Nov 19, 2022

A very educative and informative course, I have been introduced to theories I never knew before now, theories that will help me in my future research projects. I recommend this course to everyone not just researchers but everyone that wants to make an impact or change in the world.

By Ayenew G

Jun 21, 2022

The course is very valuable and the course team is amazing. The course helps me think out of the common box. I would like to work on research for impact with the team!

Thank you so much!

Regards,

Ayenew Gezie (PhD)

Bahir Dar University

Ethiopia

By LUIZA G

Jun 24, 2023

This course was really Insightful and it has changed my entire approach to Research. Am so happy I took the course. Thank you Jesse and Mark and all the tutors.

By Mary j N

May 27, 2022

Thank you very much for a very comprehensive topics you have shared.. I have learned a lot. God bless

By Anne M

Jul 26, 2021

The course was very insightful and a big thank you to the instructors and the respective Institutions

By Isabel V M B

Feb 4, 2023

Excelente curso con una nueva visión con cómo hacer una investigación más significativa

By Lipolelo N M

Jul 12, 2021

This was a very productive course for me I would do it again if it had a higher level

By Till G

Feb 16, 2021

Highly informative and iterative to help understand and design better research!

By Fentahun G M

Mar 14, 2022

Thank U very much. I am on the right track due to your great contribution.

By Erick K

Apr 5, 2023

The instructors, teachers and researchers show great pedagogic skills.

By wanjiru k

Dec 5, 2022

VERY ENGAGING.I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POWER AND INFLUENCING.

By Dr. S

Jul 8, 2023

Excellent course with rich information

By Paul N

Aug 1, 2023

What a nice learning experience!

By Samuel O

Dec 14, 2022

An excellent Course

By Teresa B

Oct 4, 2021

excellent course

By Vikram K V

Jan 4, 2023

EXCELLENT

By Lerato M

Oct 7, 2021

amazing

By MARIA P C V

Sep 15, 2022

BUENA