| Unit name | Comparative Research |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCD0092 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | D/8 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Crossley |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Understanding Educational Research |
| Co-requisites |
Research Methods in Learning, Leadership & Policy |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Much can be learned from the experience of other education systems, but disciplined and systematic comparative research also draws attention to the dilemmas of the transfer of educational policy and practice from one context to another. Drawing upon detailed analyses of contemporary comparative and international studies, and upon research projects carried out within the Graduate School of Education, this unit examines how we may best learn from, and apply, comparative perspectives in both our professional work and research and scholarship. The unit focuses upon the potential and pitfalls of education policy transfer, upon issues relating to the quality of education, upon the place of context and culture, and upon the importance of forging strong linkages between educational research, and policy and practice.
Aims:
At the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
Participants will be expected to play an active role in the unit, and will need to read and prepare both before and during the taught element of the course. A pre-reading pack must be studied in depth before the unit, and some work in the evenings will be required between the taught sessions. Teaching and learning will be carried out through a combination of structured lectures, seminars, workshops and group discussions. Participants will also be expected to make short presentations or to lead discussion in a group debate.
Completion of a 4,000 word assignment that develops themes and issues that emerges during the group debate on Dilemmas of Education Policy Transfer. All assignments will be expected to draw upon unit materials and to explore relevant examples of theory, policy or practice. Where appropriate, participants will be encouraged to relate their analysis to their own professional experience. The depth of critical analysis and originality is especially important. Specific assignments will be developed during individual consultations with the tutor.
