Module overview
This is the first module in your studies and therefore for most people becomes an introduction to studying at masters level. The intention is that you will gain the skills to effectively read, understand and critique current research in the field of education; helping you become a critical consumer of research as a practitioner. You will use these important skills in your other modules and during your dissertation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the dominant research designs and methods in education.
- Understand and debate the philosophies that underpin education research.
- Compare and contrast current research in the field of education.
- Evaluate and use a variety of methods to present and discus the findings of research.
- Recognise and situate research in the field of education.
Syllabus
The content of the module will typically cover:
- Searching for education research
- Criticality and reflection in reading and writing about education research
- Understanding the research design process
- Recognising the underpinning philosophical perspectives for research designs
- Reliability and validity in research
- Identifying and critiquing research questions in published research
- Constructing a critical analysis of a body of research
- Presenting research
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module is taught entirely online. A typical ‘lesson’ would include:
- Lectures - delivered live via the University’s web conferencing system (Adobe Connect) or as pre-prepared videos
- Lecture notes - written by the module tutors
- Selected readings - from the prescribed core texts
- Written tasks – submitted via private blogs or discussion forums
- Online activities - such as quizzes and tests
- Individual and Group tutorials – via Skype (individual) or Adobe Connect (groups)
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Placement | |
| Revision | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 60 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Lecture | 6 |
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Seminar | 6 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Extra Readings. During each lesson you will be directed to related readings from other textbooks and journal articles to enhance and extend your understanding of the topics under discussion. All of these resources will be available electronically via the University's library
Textbooks
Punch, K. & Oancea, A. (2014). Introduction to research methods in education. (Core Textbook). London, UK: Sage.
McEwan, E. K., & McEwan, P. J. (2003). Making sense of research: What's good, what's not, and how to tell the difference. (Core Textbook). Corwin Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External