Unit name | Introduction to Educational Inquiry |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUCM5915 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Professor. Liz Washbrook |
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 provides an introduction to the variety of methods used to conduct research in education. It engages students in the key debates surrounding educational research and its importance in developing educational policy and improving educational processes. The question of what constitutes good educational research is addressed and students will be encouraged to develop strategies to better understand and critique the immense variety of educational research reported in books and journals.
In this unit, 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 an 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:
Given the nature of the programme, teaching is organised into an intensive 3-day event during which there are a combination of teaching strategies, which may include whole group lectures, visiting speakers, case studies, critical analysis of key readings, group discussions and student presentations.
Summative assessment:
For students who have not yet submitted Developing as an Educational Researcher (EDUCM5919):
Assessment Details
A 4,000 word report on a group research project. Outline details of the project and provide a thorough discussion of the methodological and ethical issues that were raised.
For students who have already submitted Developing as an Educational Researcher (EDUCM5919):
Assessment Details
A 4,000 word dissertation proposal. Students will be expected to identify relevant research literature, outline research questions and construct a research design that would address them. Critical appraisal of the research approach being proposed will be expected.