| Unit name | Research Methods in Language Education |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0092 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Matt Kedzierski |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This core unit provides an introduction to the variety of methods used to conduct research in foreign language education, with a particular focus on English as a foreign or additional language. It engages students in the key debates surrounding educational research conducted in different contexts, and the role of research practices in improving professional and academic skills. The unit is an integral part of the MSc TESOL curriculum and draws on the research practices and constructions of knowledge discussed in the other units on the programme. In this course, students are introduced to the entire process of conducting educational research from the initial stages of thinking about research questions to designing a project, choosing particular methodologies and methods. Students are encouraged to look at this from a political and philosophical as well as educational perspective and also to consider and reflect on the key issues that educational researchers face, including how it is possible to ensure good ethical practice.
The unit aims are to:
On completion of the unit students will be able to:
This unit will be taught using a blended approach consisting of a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities including seminars, lectures, reading and discussions.
Formative assessment
Instructor feedback (oral and written) on students' work will be provided through tutorials and informally through classroom discussions and presentations. Self-reflection and peer-to-peer collaboration is also used to encourage engagement with theory and practice.
Summative Assessment
A 4000-word written assignment to assess students' critical understanding of the research methods literature, and apply concepts and theories to their own research practice (ILO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUCM0092).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
