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Christian Dagenais, Valéry Ridde, Esther Mc Sween-Cadieux, and Catherine Chabot

These days, researchers, practitioners and decision makers are placing greater emphasis on using evidence to improve interventions, healthcare and the well-being of populations. This trend is particularly significant in sectors that address social issues such as health, social, educational and judicial interventions and services. This movement can be seen in the emergence of new approaches that promote an increased use of research: knowledge translation, evidence-informed decision-making and practices, knowledge mobilization, knowledge utilization, knowledge enhancement, etc.

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These days, researchers, practitioners and decision makers are placing greater emphasis on using evidence to improve interventions, healthcare and the well-being of populations. This trend is particularly significant in sectors that address social issues such as health, social, educational and judicial interventions and services. This movement can be seen in the emergence of new approaches that promote an increased use of research: knowledge translation, evidence-informed decision-making and practices, knowledge mobilization, knowledge utilization, knowledge enhancement, etc.

Studies on the subject show that the process leading to the use of knowledge is so complex that science and research still barely get taken into account in practice and decision-making communities. There is consensus in scientific literature that the efforts made to make scientific knowledge available are necessary, but not sufficient, for their actual use in practice communities. This course has been designed to address these issues.

This series of free online courses was developed by the RENARD research team (équipe de Recherche sur les Effets Non-Académiques de la Recherche et ses Déterminants) in collaboration with the IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement) and with the support of Université de Montréal’s CPU (Centre de pédagogie universitaire).

MOOC 1 is an introduction to Knowledge Translation. It offers you a chance to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of knowledge translation and learn to identify the factors that promote or discourage knowledge use. The most effective mechanisms for optimizing research use will be presented to you. You can start learning about several knowledge translation tools and activities (infographics, policy briefs, deliberative dialogues, etc.). By the end of this MOOC, you will be better prepared to plan a translation process and evaluate its impact.

Other MOOCs in this series :

  • Knowledge Translation 2 - Policy Brief
  • Knowledge Translation 3 - Knowledge Brokering (To be announced)

What's inside

Learning objective

By the end of this mooc, you will be better prepared to plan a translation process and evaluate its impact.

Syllabus

Module 1 - Basic Concepts of Knowledge Translation
Module 2 - Research on Knowledge Translation
Module 3 - Planning a Knowledge Translation Process
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the use of research and evidence to enhance social, health, educational, and judicial interventions
Provides practical knowledge and skills for planning and evaluating the impact of knowledge translation processes
Taught by instructors from Université de Montréal, a renowned research institution known for its contributions in knowledge translation
Covers various knowledge translation tools and activities, including infographics, policy briefs, and deliberative dialogues
Emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers to knowledge use in practice and decision-making
May require prior knowledge or experience in research and evidence-based practices

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Reviews summary

Introduction to knowledge translation

According to students, this course offers an excellent introduction to the fundamental concepts of Knowledge Translation, serving as a solid foundational course. Learners appreciated the clear and engaging videos and the well-structured syllabus, which collectively provide a comprehensive overview. The course is praised for introducing practical tools and activities, such as policy briefs and infographics. However, some learners noted a perceived lacking in practical depth, finding certain aspects too theoretical or the practical exercises superficial. Additionally, some mentioned that forum discussions were not very active. Overall, it functions effectively as a starting point, though further study may be required for advanced application.
Serves well as an introduction, but advanced application requires more.
"Good as a starting point, but not sufficient for advanced application."
"I think it serves its purpose as KT1, but one must expect to do further learning for real-world mastery."
"Helpful for getting an overview... for an 'introduction,' it's fine."
Generally clear and engaging, though some parts could be more dynamic.
"The videos were clear and engaging, and the quizzes helped reinforce learning."
"Fantastic course! The concepts were presented in a very clear and accessible manner. I appreciated the 'vox pops'..."
"My main criticism is that some of the videos felt a bit dry at times, and I would have preferred more dynamic delivery."
Introduces relevant tools for planning and evaluating KT processes.
"...I found the practical tools and activities particularly useful, especially the section on policy briefs."
"The tools covered (infographics, policy briefs) are relevant, providing a roadmap for evidence utilization."
"I now feel much better equipped to plan a translation process and identify knowledge translation tools."
Provides a clear and solid foundation in Knowledge Translation.
"An excellent introduction to Knowledge Translation! I found the practical tools and activities particularly useful..."
"Solid foundational course. It covers a lot of ground effectively."
"I gained a solid theoretical foundation and a comprehensive overview of Knowledge Translation."
Some learners noted that the course forums were not very active.
"...the forum discussions were not very active, which limited peer interaction and further learning."
"I found peer interaction limited due to the inactive forum, which impacted my overall learning experience."
Opinions vary on the depth of practical application provided.
"The course has good content, but I wish there were more in-depth case studies or interactive elements. The practical exercises felt a bit superficial."
"While it introduces concepts, I found the course to be too theoretical and lacking in practical depth. I was expecting more 'how-to'..."
"I feel the course primarily lays a solid theoretical foundation, and further learning for real-world mastery will be needed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Knowledge Translation 1 - Introduction with these activities:
Practice translation strategies on example articles
Practice your knowledge translation skills in a safe environment to build your confidence before working on real-world examples.
Show steps
  • Choose an example article relevant to your field of interest.
  • Identify the key research findings or messages in the article.
  • Practice translating these findings into a format that is accessible to a non-expert audience, such as a policy brief or infographic.
  • Get feedback from a peer or instructor on your work.
Develop a knowledge translation plan for a specific research project
Gain practical experience in planning how to translate research findings into actionable steps for stakeholders.
Browse courses on Knowledge Transfer
Show steps
  • Identify the target audience for your knowledge translation plan.
  • Determine the key messages you want to communicate.
  • Develop strategies for reaching your target audience and communicating your messages effectively.
  • Evaluate the impact of your knowledge translation plan.
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Knowledge Translation 1 - Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Advocacy Organizer
Advocacy Organizers work to influence policy and decision-making on behalf of a particular group or cause. They work with a variety of stakeholders to raise awareness, build support, and advocate for change. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice, and how to use this knowledge to advocate for change.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants work with individuals and organizations to improve educational outcomes. They use their knowledge of research and best practices to help clients develop and implement effective educational programs. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating educational research into practice.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating social programs. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that programs are effective and meet the needs of the community. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice.
Health Educator
Health Educators are responsible for promoting health and preventing disease. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to develop and implement health education programs. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to cope with a variety of social and personal problems. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to provide support and assistance. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course may be particularly useful in working with policy as it pertains to social services.
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work to empower communities to address social and economic problems. They work with residents to identify issues, develop solutions, and take action to create change. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course may be particularly useful for understanding how to turn research into actionable change.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that the organization is meeting its mission and goals. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice, and help with the mission of your organization.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisors provide advice to policymakers on a variety of issues. They use their knowledge of research and policy to help policymakers make informed decisions. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help provide you with the tools needed to translate research into policy.
Knowledge Manager
Knowledge Managers are responsible for creating, managing, and sharing knowledge within an organization. They work to ensure that the right knowledge is available to the right people at the right time. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course may be particularly useful for managing knowledge as it relates to research translation.
Medical Science Liaison
Medical Science Liaisons are responsible for communicating scientific and medical information to healthcare professionals. They work to ensure that healthcare professionals have the latest information on new drugs, devices, and treatments. This course may be useful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course can help you to better understand the process of translating research into practice.
Research Analyst
Research Analysts are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use this data to make recommendations and inform decision-making. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course may be useful for understanding how to take data and turn it into meaningful policy.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing health policies. They analyze how a policy may impact public health, and consider all elements of healthcare, including potential budget impact. This course provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which may provide you with the knowledge to better analyze the impacts of policies related to healthcare.
Social Policy Analyst
Social Policy Analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing social policies. This includes policies related to education, housing, income support, criminal justice, and healthcare. This course, and the material it covers on knowledge translation, may be useful for providing insight into the research behind social policy.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing public policies. They analyze how a policy may impact the public, and choose the course of action that will bring about the best possible effects. This course can be helpful in this career as it provides an introduction to Knowledge Translation, which is the process of translating research evidence into policy and practice. This course may provide you with the skills necessary to take research-based evidence and translate this data to entities capable of making informed decisions.

Reading list

We've selected four books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Knowledge Translation 1 - Introduction.
Provides an overview of knowledge translation in social work. It covers the different stages of the knowledge translation process, from identifying the research evidence to developing and implementing interventions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of knowledge translation, and good starting point for those who are new to the field.
Provides a practical guide to knowledge translation. It offers a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating knowledge translation initiatives.
Provides an overview of knowledge translation for social change. It covers the different stages of the knowledge translation process, from identifying the research evidence to developing and implementing interventions.

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