Unit name | Research Methods in Language Education |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUCM0092 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Matt Kedzierski |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This core unit provides an introduction to the variety of methods used to conduct research in foreign language education, with a particular focus on English as a foreign or additional language. It engages students in the key debates surrounding educational research conducted in different contexts, and the role of research practices in improving professional and academic skills. The unit is an integral part of the MSc TESOL curriculum and draws on the research practices and constructions of knowledge discussed in the other units on the programme. In this course, 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 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:
This unit will be taught using a blended approach consisting of a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities including seminars, lectures, reading and discussions.
Formative assessment
Instructor feedback (oral and written) on students' work will be provided through tutorials and informally through classroom discussions and presentations. Self-reflection and peer-to-peer collaboration is also used to encourage engagement with theory and practice.
Summative Assessment
A 4000-word written assignment to assess students' critical understanding of the research methods literature, and apply concepts and theories to their own research practice (ILO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
Recommended Reading
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (2016) How to Research. 3rd edition. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Clough, P., & Nutbrown, C. (2012) A Student's Guide to Methodology: Justifying Enquiry. (3rd edition). London: Sage.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y.S (eds.) (2011) The Sage Handbook of qualitative research (4th edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Hammersley, M., & Traiainou, A. (2012) Ethics in Qualitative Research: controversies and contexts. London: Sage.
Heller, M, Pietikainen, S., & Pujolar, J. (2018). Critical Sociolinguistic Research Methods: Studying Language Issues that Matter. Abingdon: Routledge.
Richards, K. (2003) Qualitative Inquiry in TESOL. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Recommended Journals
Qualitative Research - http://journals.sagepub.com/home/qrja
International Journal of Qualitative Methods - http://journals.sagepub.com/toc/IJQ/current
Journal of Mixed Methods - http://journals.sagepub.com/home/mmr
Annual review of Applied Linguistics - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/annual-review-of-applied-linguistics
TESOL Quarterly - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15457249
Language Teaching Journal - http://journals.sagepub.com/home/ltr