RIVA 195 - Principles of Qualitative Research (PQR)

Course Fee: $1,375 US$

Qualitative Market Research (QLMR) formally began in the 1930s with focus groups for Proctor & Gamble. The role of QLMR has grown exponentially in nearly eight decades and the principles about it continue to emerge.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

This intensive and interactive one-day training is intended to introduce key principles of QLMR and provide researchers with an understanding of the types of QLMR and its applications.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

1) Define Qualitative Market Research (QLMR)
2) Clarify different types of QLMR
3) Discuss the best uses of QLMR
4) Explain the importance of purpose statements in QLMR design
5) Summarize the four stages of a Qualitative Research Event (QRE)
6) Identify differences and similarities between moderating and facilitating
7) Determine pitfalls and drawbacks of QLMR
8) Define qualities of a Master Moderator
9) Discuss benefits and drawbacks of vested moderators
10) Differentiate moderator styles

This course is not intended to train individuals how to become new or better moderators nor is it intended to train individuals how to conduct QREs. While participants will review materials related to moderating, the intent of the course is to help participants understand the underpinnings of QLMR. The learning modules include: open forums, small group discussions, and demonstrations, as well as training materials. This course is designed for researchers who are:

• New to the field of QLMR and interested in understanding the depth and breadth of this powerful research tool
• Looking for additional reading materials about QLMR
• Challenged by the strong differences between survey research and qualitative research and are looking to explore the qualitative path

How Students are Assessed: RIVA 195, is an overview class on the Principles of Qualitative Market Research. At the beginning of the course students access key terminology and lexicons of the industry. At the end of class a short quiz is administered so students can see what they have learn.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee: $1,375 US$

• Completed Registration Form


• Enrollment fee paid in full


• Complete and participate in all course modules on each day of class and reach all the learning objectives

RIVA 199 - PM & Screener Development

Course Fee: $1,875 US$

A successful qualitative research project is more than just a good focus group or interview. Having the right respondents and staying on top of all the steps in the project have a great impact on whether the project flows smoothly with a minimum of difficulty or whether problems arise that put the project under stress.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

RIVA 199 has been developed to help qualitative researchers refine the administrative skills that make a project successful. In some companies, the moderator is responsible for all parts of the study from proposal to final report, and some companies assign a portion of these duties to others in the organization, rather than the moderator.

This one day course is designed to support those individuals who have the responsibility for managing a qualitative research study, developing the screener for recruiting respondents, and even those who manage those who do. Using examples from students' own projects, as well as a RIVA textbook and handouts, students will deconstruct these examples to sort the elements that work from these that may not be producing desired results.

After taking this class, graduates will be able to:
 

• Develop a solid plan for successfully managing the myriad of elements involved in any qualitative study with appropriate management processes


• Use checklists and facility letters/memoranda to communicate with clients, facilities and others on the project team


• Explain the critical elements that should be included in screeners and the impact of adding additional criteria


• Diagnose screener weaknesses and develop solutions

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee: $1,875 US$

RIVA 201 - Fundamentals of Moderating

Course Fee: $4,075 US$

RIVA 201 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn about focus groups and their context of qualitative marketing research. The focus of the course is on designing a clear research purpose statement, preparation of a clear and workable individualized guide, and executing and honing skills to conduct lively focus groups with respondents. Students will hone their skills through repeated tasks that build on one another, constant feedback, and coaching. Additionally, students take away a textbook full of examples and practical tips from actual research projects.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Lead groups as a professional, even if it's your first group
• Develop an appropriate comfort level for conducting group interviews
• Develop individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Craft appropriate questions for gathering qualitative data
• Practice techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Quickly build rapport with respondents
• Discuss ways to probe for more than top-of-mind responses
• Manage time during groups and keep the group process flowing
• Develop techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Mary, what do you think?"
• Differentiate between an "expert moderator" vs a "topic expert"
• Moderate groups effectively and ethically with their own customers and fellow employees
• Produce a foundation of a toolbox filled with special moderator techniques and how to use them
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Command the room while being the youngest person on the research team
• Demonstrate ability to run a focus group study

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,075 US$

RIVA 202 Virtual - Skill Acceleration

Course Fee: $4,075 US$

This course provides an experiential training environment for working and experienced moderators who have not taken RIVA 201. The course provides moderators with insights into areas that are working well and those that are not. The focus of this class is to review current moderating skills and to provide insight into moving current skills to a higher level. The thrust of the course is on trainer coaching and feedback on moderating styles and techniques. Students will also take away a textbook full of invaluable information derived from live research projects.

Course Prerequisites:
Must not have taken RIVA 201 and needs the written permission from the Executive Director.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Integrate feedback on their moderating techniques and styles through practice sessions
• Build rapid rapport with respondents
• Clarify tips and techniques on appropriate, individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Improve techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Craft efficient questions for gathering deeper data
• Gauge the impact of their questions and know how to adjust them to get desired data
• Discuss ways to probe for more than top-of-mind responses
• Utilize techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, John, why do you say that?"
• Develop strategies and skills for dealing with "difficult" respondents
• Integrate feedback on the use of interventions and metaphorical techniques
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Moderate groups effectively and ethically with their own customers and fellow employees
• Distinguish their strengths and insights into areas for improvement
• Demonstrate the integration of feedback to run a Focus Group Study

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,075 US$

RIVA 204 - All About Ethnography

Course Fee: $4,095 US$

Qualitative market research has many avenues to collect data from respondents. One way to get unfiltered responses in "real time" is to conduct an interview in a home, business or social setting. Ethnographic research goes where the respondent is and combines market research questions with tools from anthropology and sociology, allowing researchers to gather data "in the moment" in which an action or activity is taking place.

This experiential RIVA course, part of the foundation series at the RIVA Training Institute, provides information on the Art & Science of Ethnography and allows opportunities to practice skills, not only in class but also in the real life settings of consumers. It is an intensive 3-day class with a trainer and coach. Pre-requisites: Either a graduate of RIVA 201, 202 or the approval of the Training Director.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Define the various types of ethnography research models
• Employ the steps for effective ethnographic interviews
• Summarize the four stages of ethnographic interviews
• Explain the importance of the interview protocol
• Define role of note taking, video/audio recordings, and in-home logistics
• Determine the best number of research members to take to an individual interview and the role of each person on the team
• Conduct ethnography projects within a clear set of ethical guidelines
• Identify tools, tips and techniques for setting up an ethnographic project, conducting a project and determine what data should be analyzed for reporting purposes

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,095 US$

RIVA 205 Virtual - Moderating: Kid & Teens

Course Fee: $4,395 US$

RIVA 205 is a 3-day, Virtual Course, hands-on course for the experienced moderator who want to add or improve their moderating skills with kids and teens. This course will help "moderators discover" new tools they can develop for this younger population. This course also includes a 90-minute webinar.

Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Executive Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills to better work with kids and teens (elementary and middle school aged) in qualitative sessions. Although older teens (high school) will be covered in the learning, the practice sessions are with elementary and middle school aged kids as conducting groups with them is much different then older teens (closer to adult age) and adults.

In addition to the intensive 3 Day course, students will also participate in a 90-minute webinar. These pre-class sessions will allow some basics to be covered so that time in class can be specifically tailored to class needs.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Define Generations to understand age-group target audience.
• Differentiate between the tools, tips, and techniques needed for kids versus teens versus adults.
• Describe the four stages of a kid/teen Qualitative Research Event[QRE].
• Implement new tools into writing effective guides for kids versus teens.
• Evaluate and define the ethics specific to kid and teen qualitative market research.
• Illustrate the importance of building rapport with kid and parent.
• Develop the skills to plan and execute a kid/teen QRE.
• Demonstrate ability to lead a teen focus group.
• Implement changes and demonstrate ability to lead a kid focus group.

By participating in RIVA 205, one will gain an understanding of how to interview kids and teens (elementary and middle school aged) in individual and small group settings, troubleshoot problems and acquire a strong set of insights from children and teenagers by using age-appropriate expectations, proper recruiting methods, and kid-friendly exercises.

All students will have the opportunity to practice what they have learned. There will be two practice sessions with recruited respondents. Students will have the opportunity to conduct one practice session with younger kids and one with older kids.

The class will build on the core strength of the trainer who has a long history of working with this population and she will bring not only her experience but her expertise in setting up and managing projects for kids and teens.

RIVA 205 Moderating Kids/Teens is a hybrid of asynchronous and online teaching. This course will have a 90-minute webinar prior to the in-person session. The in-person portion of the class is held in Rockville, MD. The 90-minute webinar is approximately 1 week prior to the in-person class.

This class is limited to 4 students and registration is on a first come/first serve basis.

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
For more information or to register, please contact Amber Tedesco, Director, at 301-770-6456x101 or via email amber@rivainc.com.

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,395 US$

RIVA 207 Virtual - Fundamentals of IDI Moderating

Course Fee: $4,075 US$

RIVA 207 - Fundamentals of IDI Moderating, has been specially developed for qualitative researchers who are looking to conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals.

This intensive three day course focuses on principles and best practices for conducting effective In-Depth Interviews. The process of talking to one person in an interview setting requires a different skill set than talking to multiple respondents in a focus group setting. RIVA 207 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn the fundamentals of In-Depth Interviews in general and, specifically, what works/does not work when doing a In-Depth Interviews. The focus of the course is multifaceted: starting with designing a clear research purpose statement, and, then preparing a clear, workable, individualized guide. Students will then execute and hone their skills by conducting effective In-Depth Interviews with recruited respondents. Students will sharpen their skills through repeated tasks that build exponentially and through constant and individualized feedback and coaching.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Identify a set of best practices for leading effective IDIs
• Develop an appropriate comfort level for conducting IDIs
• Define the underpinnings of IDIs in the qualitative research paradigm and how they differ from survey interviews
• Develop individualized introductory ground rules & guidelines
• Craft appropriate questions for gathering qualitative data from individuals
• Determine how to choose the best research design and moderator guide type for classic studies
• Implement techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Build rapport in 10 seconds
• Probe for more than top-of-mind responses
• Manage time during an interview and keep respondents engaged
• Develop techniques to elicit responses beyond traditional probes like "tell me more"
• Differentiate between an "expert moderator" vs a "topic expert"
• Moderate IDIs effectively and ethically with diverse set of respondents
• Design a "personal toolbox" of techniques [e.g., interventions]
• Demonstrate ability to lead an IDI

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,075 US$

RIVA 221: Virtual Course - Principles of UX/Usability Testing & Research

Course Fee: $3,175 US$

UX/Usability research & testing plays a critical role in developing all types of products, from programmable TV remotes to intuitive apps for your phone and is even utilized in pacemakers and insulin pumps. Usability testing leverages many of the skills qualitative researchers already have [e.g., designing and managing qualitative research projects, building rapport, probing for clarity, getting below top-of-mind responses].

Students will gain an understanding of the best practices in usability testing as well as when and how to apply this method in their own work. While the focus of this course is on usability testing, students will learn about other UX research techniques such as personas, task analysis, remote and in-person card sorting, the System Usability Scale, affinity diagraming and tree testing and how to integrate these methods into a usability study.

Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Learn to run a usability study from start to finish: how to plan, moderate, collect data, analyze and report on a usability study
• Analyze an interactive product to identify usability issues
• Identify techniques for measuring usability
• Identify methods to produce usability insights that drive business decisions
• Learn about recruiting for a usability study, using personas to identify key participant characteristics
• Differentiate approaches for running studies at various points in a product's development (e.g., concept, early prototype, released product)
• Determine when to do in-person, remote, or automated usability testing
• Identify methods for gathering feedback on interactive digital, mobile, and physical products
• Integrate usability into other forms of qualitative research
• Manage observers and running debrief discussions
• Demonstrate ability to run a UX/Usability Study

Students will receive a comprehensive work book, an example test plan, test script, recruiting screener, and usability report that they can use as a template to adapt for use in their own practice. They will learn methods for usability testing digital and physical products. The course material includes a detailed bibliography with information on where to learn more about usability testing user experience research so that they can incorporate these techniques into their own qualitative practice. The class will include an overview of the Morae recording software which is designed to capture video, participant and observer interaction during usability studies and UX research.

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,175 US$

RIVA 241 - Qualitative Analysis & Reporting

Course Fee: $3,895 US$

This course provides an experiential training format in which students can learn how to analyze and report findings from any one of the 19 different qualitative methodologies. Students will receive techniques and individual trainer feedback on how to capture the wealth of diverse qualitative data and turn it into clear, concise, written insights for their clients. This three day course requires the use of laptop computers both in class and for homework.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Describe the analysis process
• Distinguish client needs in qualitative reports
• Develop strategies for tackling the task of analysis
• Identify techniques for efficient data synthesis and reporting.
• Compare different methods for reporting qualitative data
• Develop unique styles to differentiate reports
• Summarize the value of writing from transcripts vs. notes or listening/watching video
• Discuss classic analysts' problems
• Practice methods for delivering "bad news"
• Demonstrate the process of analyzing data and writing qualitative reports
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,895 US$

RIVA 242: Qualitative Toolbox - Interventions/Projective Techniques

Course Fee: $3,175 US$

This experiential course for moderators offers a training environment for students who seek to build more complex and non-traditional moderating styles through special tools and techniques. It is a two-day course that concentrates on teaching the philosophies behind interventions, "projectives," and metaphorical techniques used in focus groups to access deeper data, plus provides experiential demonstrations of multiple techniques. The goal of the course is to give students a full toolkit of techniques and a context for using them.

Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Describe the tools used in qualitative research and in focus groups
• Define the objectives of various tool categories, plus when and how their use is appropriate
• Review the basic format of most tools (e.g. set up, variations, debriefing) so that they may apply them to meet their own specific objectives
• Practice different tools in an experiential learning environment
• Prepare the design and development a package of techniques to meet research goals and receive expert feedback and coaching
• Build on a repertoire of useful tools by creating their own to fit their qualitative research needs
• Develop alternative techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Bob, what do you think?"
• Demonstrate skills to break through a non-productive group or one with challenging respondents
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Evaluate the information and skills needed to adapt, create, and modify tools to meet ever-changing needs

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $3,175 US$

RIVA 303 - Advanced Moderating

Course Fee: $4,075 US$

This 3-day course is designed for experienced moderators who have conducted over 40 focus groups or have equivalent experience as determined by the Training Director. It will provide a review of current skills with feedback and coaching to reach higher levels of research findings. Additionally, training is provided on current qualitative research methodologies. Participants will gain insights into working productively with client challenges and how to effectively work with the back-room team. The driving force in this course is on trainer coaching and feedback.

Course Prerequisites:
Must have moderated a minimum of 40 QREs and have the written permission from the Executive Director.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Integrate feedback and coaching to move towards masterful moderating
• Identify subtle data that is missed by some moderators and observers
• Develop strategies for dealing with their own "difficult" respondents
• Implement techniques to productively use rather than dismiss or subdue challenging respondents, such as dominators and "experts"
• Develop alternative techniques to elicit appropriate respondent behavior
• Revise use and timing of creative techniques that work for more than surface data based on coached feedback
• Effectively manage backroom dynamics
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Demonstrate the integration of feedback to run a focus group study

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,075 US$

RIVA 433 - Mastery in Action & Exam

Course Fee: $4,175 US$

This course is only for Master Moderator Candidates who are enrolled in the Master Moderator Program and have met all other requirements to take the Master Moderator Exam.

Designed for highly experienced moderators and researchers, this 3-day course provides an experiential training environment for students to critically observe and model masterful moderating techniques. Founders of the RIVA Training Institute, Naomi R. Henderson and Jo Ann Hairston who together have conducted close to 10,000 focus groups, teach this capstone course. Students will have opportunities to critically observe a variety of trained moderators, in person and on tape, view a group conducted by a Master Moderator with consumer respondents, plus get feedback of their own moderating work. In addition to the unique experience of learning special tools and techniques from moderators who are renowned in their specialty areas, students will also learn through collegial sharing and solution-finding of challenges in the current research industry. A review of mastery level qualitative research skills and knowledge will work to prepare participants for the written and practicum examination for RIVA's Master Moderator TM Certificate.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Establish their critical observation of styles of other experienced moderators and apply learning to their own work
• Incorporate feedback on their own style and skills
• Integrate ways fellow researchers have tackled research and project challenges
• Demonstrate techniques for not settling for surface data
• Show alternative techniques to elicit appropriate respondent behavior
• Utilize techniques to gracefully handle challenging respondent situations
• Formulate a benchmark to model their own skills and to use when evaluating other moderators
• Explain a deep understanding of research ethics
• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding of the skills, and ability to lead a QRE session at the level of a RIVA Training Institute Master Moderator.

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,175 US$

RIVA 501: Facilitating - Practical Tools, Tips, & Techniques

Course Fee: $4,075 US$

RIVA 501 is a practical 3-day course, rather than a course based on theory or academics. RIVA's promise to graduates of this course is that you will be equipped with practical and actionable steps in order to facilitate a meeting and learn the techniques to move the needle from problem to solution as a session leader.

Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.

After taking this course, graduates will be able to:

• Differentiate between giving a speech, moderating, brainstorming, or ideation session
• Discuss the importance of pre-group planning in order to make a facilitation effective
• Build an environment that ensures a successful outcome
• Utilize key tools that enhance the facilitation process
• Determine how to keep track of the data generated in a facilitated session
• Explain the importance of ground-rules and buy-in by participants
• Describe the impact of personal style on outcomes
• Handle challenging personalities
• Handle group dynamics
• Manage tangents and timelines
• Identify your individual style of facilitation
• Craft questions to support input to the problem solving process
• Build rapport and maintain it for hours or days
• Demonstrate ability to run a facilitation

How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
 

Upcoming Courses - Course Fee $4,075 US$

RIVA Webinars

Date: TBD, 2021 Fee: $125 US$ per person

RIVA offers an opportunity for qualitative researchers to enhance their skills via webinars. Our webinars provide insights on a variety of qualitative market research trends, concerns, tips, and techniques. The live 90 minute format allows for the honing of particular skills, and an opportunity to interact with our RTI Founders or trainers online. They will be bringing more than 50 years of combined experience and insights from over 10,000 focus groups. You will find the benefits of this small investment will be immediate in your qualitative career.

Experience what sets RIVA apart from other training programs - enroll today!

Upcoming Webinar - Course Fee $125 US$ per person

RIVA Coaching Services

RIVA Coaching services offer RIVA alumni an opportunity to continue building skills and getting professional feedback after your class - from your own home or office. Coaching services are also available to people who have very specific training needs that are not addressed in our public courses.

You and your RIVA Coach set regular telephone appointments to talk about the issues that are important to you. Appointments are typically 30 minutes in length or at a schedule that works for your convenience. They are usually held weekly, but this is based on your needs at the time. In addition to your live meetings, your RIVA Coach can review your work via videotape and documents you send.

There are many ways RIVA Coaching clients may benefit and the beauty is that it is tailored to what you need. These benefits include:

• Having the expertise of a Master Moderator as a mentor and coach to support you in achieving success
• Working with a plan that meets your needs for flexibility both in time and space. You and your coach can make appointments for daytime or evening, schedule your meetings for while you are in your office, at home, or on the road
• Selecting a coach from a qualified list of RIVA Coaches and finding a fit for your needs, both in compatible personalities and your coach's industry expertise
• Making a commitment that fits your budget and needs
• Taking advantage of discounts for longer term coaching relationships
• Knowing that all RIVA coaches are also RIVA Trainers so they know the RIVA Method
• Using your coaching time effectively to problem-solve your specific areas of interest
• Using down-time in your work to sharpen your skills and expertise
• Knowing your time with your RIVA Coach is private and the two of you are the only ones privy to your conversations
• Using a "coaching package" that will qualify as a RIVA course for those who want to use this one-on-one time as one of the course requirements for their Master Moderator Certificate.

For additional information please contact Amber Tedesco at amber@rivainc.com/301.770.6456 x101 or Register Online

RIVA Custom Courses

For almost 40 years, the RIVA Training Institute has been described as the "gold standard" in moderator training. RIVA classes are renowned for their experiential training conducted by skilled master moderators/trainers with over 15 years in the industry. We also have a high trainer to student ratio that supports RIVA's dedication to giving students individualized coaching that they need. Let us bring our customized training to you.

The RIVA Training Institute offers customized courses that can be conducted in-house at your office location, a facility close to you, or at our training office in Rockville, MD.

Sample training courses include:

• Fundamentals of Moderating
• Skill Acceleration
• Kid/Teen Moderating
• Cognitive Interviewing
• The Art & Science of Effective Probing
• Facilitation
• One on One Interviewing
• Ethnography
• Advanced

Reasons to choose a custom course?

• Customized to fit your specific needs.
• Save time and dollars on employee travel by having our instructors come to you. Provides for a solid return on your training investment
• Each custom client is assigned a dedicated team of training professionals who assist with logistic management and class support
• Ensures that all staff learns the same material at the same time.
• Fosters teambuilding within your organization and/or department
• Boosts morale and illustrates to your staff that their training needs are important to you
• Gain instant credibility with your clients. RIVA is recognized for being the elite organization for qualitative training.

We are eager to discuss your custom training needs.
Contact Amber Tedesco at amber@rivainc.com or 301-770-6456 x. 101.

A partial list of our custom clients:

• AstraZeneca
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Boston Scientific/Guident
• Capital One Bank
• Centex Homes
• Freddie Mac
• General Mills
• In-Sync
• Internal Revenue Service
• Kraft
• Levi
• Lextant
• Medtronic
• Newell Rubbermaid
• Nissan
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• SharkNinja
• Social Security Administration
• Sterling Rice Group
• Walt Disney