SLIG Fall Virtual 2023: Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum

Back again with all new cases!

Coordinated by Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA, the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum provides an opportunity for advanced genealogists to gain hands-on experience solving tough cases. Participants work on five complex genealogical research problems—a new one each week. This practicum is for you if you are an advanced researcher and want to gain experience conducting research on challenging problems, analyzing and correlating information, and writing conclusions.

You will practice using indirect evidence, broadening research to include the FAN club, resolving conflicts, and organizing evidence into a written summary. The research problems are varied, offering the challenge to stretch your mind and skills in new directions. You will work individually on the case each week and then gather to discuss your progress with classmates and the instructor. In addition, you will compare sources, strategies, and methodologies, discuss difficulties encountered, and receive guidance from the case study author.

Case Study Instructors:

• Gary Ball-Kilbourne, PhD, CG
• Nicole Gilkison LaRue, CG
• Stephanie O'Connell, CG
• Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG

This course is designed for advanced genealogists who have sufficient experience and education to work on complex genealogical problems. Most students plan 15–20 hours per week to work on the cases and write up a summary of findings.

Prerequisites:

• An advanced-level methodology course such as:
• SLIG—Advanced Genealogical Methods with Tom Jones or Paul Graham
• IGHR—Advanced Genealogy and Evidence Analysis with Elizabeth Shown Mills or Judy Russell
• GRIP—Advanced Genealogical Methods with Tom Jones
• BYU Family History degree
• NIGS certificate
• Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research
• ProGen Study Group completion

    OR

• Equivalent experience:
• Students may demonstrate their experience with genealogical research by submitting a paper detailing how they solved a genealogical problem. Please include source citations to support your conclusions. Students may register for the course and submit the paper for consideration by August 20.
• Or students may submit a summary of their educational and research background instead of a report.

The Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum will meet on Thursdays, 9:00 am to 11:00 am Mountain Time, September 7 through October 12.

Watch this interview in which course coordinator Angela Packer McGhie talks about the practicum:

See the SLIG Fall Virtual courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG Fall Virtual registration opens Saturday, June 10, at 12:00 Noon MDT.

NOTE: Registration for all SLIG Fall Virtual 2023 courses has been postponed to June 10!

Why do I need to research like a professional?

Professional genealogists must meet their clients' expectations. To do so, they have to be able to effectively address their clients' research problems. 

Success in answering research questions follows directly from the research techniques professionals use. 

By developing strong research methods, professional genealogists can solve even the most complex research problems and satisfy their clients. These research methods can be learned and applied by all genealogists, increasing the rate of success in solving any research problem.

This course is taught by credentialed, successful full-time professional genealogists. They have different perspectives and different experiences, yet we all apply the same research standards and methods. Throughout the course, student will be taught the different means of efficient project management to achieve reliable results. The course is framed by the Genealogical Proof Standard but focuses on practical skills.

Throughout the course, students will also complete short homework assignments on a project of their choosing, applying new skills to maximize the potential for successfully solving your own research problem.

Michael provides unique insights into the course through the accompanying video in the description of his course. Go here to see that, the schedule, and to register.

Learn How to Conduct Reliable Genealogical Research

Successful professional genealogists base their success in the research techniques that they use.

This course is framed on the Genealogical Proof Standard, focusing on processes used by successful professional genealogists. The course will teach means of efficient project management to achieve reliable results.

The following is required reading for the course:

• Board for Certification of Genealogists, Genealogy Standards, 2nd edition

A multi-part assignment will allow students to apply what they have learned to a problem of their own. Skills tested will include analyzing a research problem and past research, creating a research plan, identifying and obtaining records, and analyzing records for evidentiary value.

Michael Hait, CG, CGL will be assisted by his instructor team, consisting of:

• Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG
• Paul K. Graham, AG, CG, CGL
• Melanie D. Holtz, CG
• Nicole Gilkison LaRue, CG

Registration for SLIG 2020 opens July 13, 2019 at 9:00 am MDT. For more information, go here.