Module overview
This module is designed to continue developing students' Masters level research and writing. Its endpoint is an assignment with a maximum length of 8,000 words (or equivalent) on a topic of the student's choice, negotiated with the tutor, but thematically related to the topics of the other modules. Through it, students are expected to develop their understanding of their chosen area and research principles and methods.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Employ different data skills typically: Collecting, recording, analysing, evaluating and dissemination.
- Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to: Demonstrate range of communication and presentational skills, including both verbal and written.
- Problem-solve including the evaluation of educational needs, planning, design and implementation of strategies to impact positively on learning.
- Use of a wide range of library and other electronic resources.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify and contrast principal sources of educational information and data.
- Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to: Abstract the essential features of complex educational literature and research and develop a usable framework for its analysis.
- Synthesise and utilise library and a range of other educational resources effectively.
- Analyse educational topics both critically and logically.
- Suggest appropriate approaches to the evaluation of educational practice, as appropriate in relation to your chosen topic.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The relationship between research, theory and practice in the development of a specific area of education.
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: The central concepts of: educational values; ethics; theory; policy and practice, as they relate to your chosen topic.
- Educational research and the nature of research evidence, research ethics and its application.
- Alternative perspectives on the purposes of education, training, teaching and current or emerging educational matters.
Syllabus
Module content is negotiated between student and supervising tutor. There is therefore no set syllabus.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The programme is tailored to each individual student's needs but will usually involve meetings between the supervising tutor and the student, phone/Skype calls, feedback on written work via email and/or in person, recommended reading and, predominantly, self study. Students can access taught sessions and other resources from the other Masters and Doctoral Training provision in Southampton Education School and the full range of University support services.
It is expected that students and their tutor will meet formally (either face to face or electronically) a minimum of four times during the module to specifically review progress. The aim of these meetings will be to set and review targets and timeline.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 400 |
Total study time | 400 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Cohen, L. Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education.. Abingdon, Oxford: Routledge.
Cotrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skill: Developing effective analysis and argument.. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2013). How to write for University: Academic writing for success.. Edinburgh: Pearson Education.
Shank, G. Pringle, J. & Brown, L. (2015). Understanding education research: A guide to critical reading.. Abingdon, Oxford: Routledge.
Wallace, M. & Wray, A (2016). Critical reading and writing for postgraduates.. London: Sage.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed through an assignment of up to 8000 words (maximum) or equivalent. It is possible, after agreement with your tutor, to explore other types of assessment such as curriculum materials, conferences presentations and electronic artefacts (websites or videos).
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External