| Unit name | Developing Research - Engaged Practice in Science Education |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0051 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wishart |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims to develop science education professionals’ knowledge and understanding of the value of research in informing practice. The initial emphasis will be on improving participants’ awareness of trends in science education research such as the importance of student misconceptions, the increasing range of technology enhanced learning opportunities and the significance of assessment for learning techniques and how to interpret and evaluate this work. Students will go on to develop their own action research projects with tutor support. Thus the unit aims to underpin the students’ own research and to ensure that the participants engage critically with published research data.
Specific aims are:
The teaching strategy will employ three broad approaches, where appropriate, with the aims of contextualising as well as theorising issues of central importance, the development of student autonomy, and the individualisation of study and support. These are:
Face-to-Face Teaching
Examples here include large and small group teaching methods, including presentations from staff and experienced professionals, debates, case study analyses, student presentations and practical workshops.
E-Learning
E-Learning approaches will be used to facilitate individualised study and support within the broad parameters of the units and programme. These will include: synchronous and asynchronous on-line discussion (with individuals and groups), online supervision and peer mentoring, guidance and feedback. Critical use of Web resources will be encouraged.
Individual Research.
Where appropriate, the use of action research, small-scale empirical studies and observations of professional practice will be encouraged and facilitated to help students contextualise their theoretical study.
Contact Hours
20 hours
Assessment is designed to enable both locally-based and international students to engage critically with literature whilst being flexible according to student circumstance and interest. It will comprise of the following:
Formative assessment:
A presentation of the student’s own design for a small-scale action research project to the group,
Summative assessment:
A 4,000 word (or equivalent) assignment introducing the underpinning theoretical framing and reporting on the project’s development and proposed implementation. This latter will include evaluating how the results will inform practice.
