Overview of the LEMMA VLE

Jon Rasbash, 2008

Centre for Multilevel Modelling

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LEMMA Training

Capacity building in the analysis of data with complex structure

– Ultimate goal is to move learners to “take-off”, i.e. conducting and publishing multilevel analyses

Different modes of delivery– Face-to-face workshops

– Training the trainers

– Web-based materials in a virtual learning environment

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Lessons Learnt from Face-to-Face Workshops

Learners need motivation and time– Best motivated are those with data and research questions

that can be addressed through multilevel modelling

Learners often do not possess prerequisites for multilevel modelling

In practical sessions, learners tend to focus on mechanics of using software rather than interpretation

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Basic Principles of the LEMMA VLE

Accessible to anyone with basic statistics training

Modules to have 2 integrated components: concepts and practical

Facility for learner’s self-evaluation (quizzes)

Collect data to evaluate materials and inform future training initiatives

Design materials so they can be easily modified by other trainers

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Concepts vs Practical

Concepts – 30-40 pages, split into lessons– Illustrative examples from mix of disciplines– Draw links between fitted model equations, graphs of

predictions and verbal interpretation – No reference to software– Expect other trainers to use with little change

Practical– Each Concepts lesson followed by exercises in MLwiN– Thorough analysis and interpretation of one dataset– Trainers can rewrite for other datasets and software

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Current Modules

1. Using quantitative data in research2. Introduction to quantitative data analysis3. Multiple regression (single-level)4. Multilevel structures and classifications5. Introduction to multilevel modelling

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Future Materials

Applications linked to core modules

– (e.g. school league tables, segregation in schools)

Further practicals (different software and datasets)

Materials on the quantitative research process

Additional methods-based modules on more advanced techniques

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Thanks to …

Authors – named in each module Sacha Brostoff Hilary Browne Chris Charlton Sophie Pollard

Demonstration of the LEMMA VLE

Sacha Brostoff, 2008

Centre for Multilevel Modelling

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Overview of demonstration

How to find the course

FAQs

Requirements

Types of Material

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Where to find the course

Links throughout the CMM web site

– On the CMM homepage

www.cmm.bris.ac.uk

– Link from CMM Learning and Training page

Direct link

– www.cmm.bris.ac.uk/lemma

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Before you get to the materials: Course homepage & FAQs

Next to the login button there are FAQs– Extensive notes about what’s in the course– Who the course is for– When to use it, etc.

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Requirements

Administrative– Users register

Create a profile– Users have to login

Usage is tracked for research purposes Data is anonymised

Technical– Web browser– Working email account– Flash player

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Types of material

Contents page– Grouped by module

Introduction / prerequisites / video Two linked ‘documents’

– Concepts, e.g. Lecture notes– Practicals, e.g. MLwiN instructions

With data files– Separate PDFs– Interleaved webpage versions

Quizzes

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Supplementary materials

Glossary Vote: how does your data compare? Discussion forum

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New Users

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Summary

Research project as well as a resource

5 modules so far

Two linked ‘documents’– Concepts

– Practicals

Quizzes

Striking a balance between paper and on-screen

Supplementary materials – glossaries and votes