EDU-20020: Research Strategies and Methods in Education

The module is concerned with research into educational issues. It relates to issues of theory, focus and method. Our aim is to provide students with an introductory experience of education research - the questions it asks, the practices that it employs and the methods by which it seeks to find $ùanswers&©. The module intends to:
- enable students to read, understand and assess educational research publications;
- enable students to design and engage in small-scale research of their own, working on small projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and evaluate the key paradigms of educational research and the relationship between theory, methodology and method will be achieved by assessments: 1
Explain the relationship between theory, methodology and method will be achieved by assessments: 1
Plan, undertake and report on a small-scale research project that will evaluate various research strategies and methods for answering research questions / or testing hypotheses will be achieved by assessments: 1
Identify and assess the ethical issues that may arise in relation to educational research in the design and carrying out of their research
will be achieved by assessments: 1
Recognise, apply and evaluate particular techniques of data collection and analysis in educational research (interviewing, observation, surveys, textual methods)
will be achieved by assessments: 1
Explore and critically evaluate relationships between research findings and policy contexts in relation to established research and their own research project will be achieved by assessments: 1
Evaluate research outcomes and reflect upon the research process will be achieved by assessments: 1
Analyse and evaluate texts in the form of policy documents, speeches or reports for the purpose of communicating ideas about educational issues will be achieved by assessments: formative activities in weeks 10 and 11, ie textual and policy analysis excercises

Study hours

10-hour Lectures
10-hour Seminars
30 hours Lecture and Seminar preparation
40 hours Private Study
60 hours Preparation for essay (research project)

Description of Module Assessment

01: Research Paper weighted 100% (min pass mark of 40)

A small-scale research project that includes literature. review, methodology, findings and evaluation
3.500 word limit.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.