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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The instructors, teachers and researchers show great pedagogic skills.

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

Excellent course with rich information

What a nice learning experience!

An excellent Course

excellent course

very good

EXCELLENT

amazing

BUENA