Unit name | Policy and Research in Education |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUC20004 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Justin Dillon |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Education and Social Change |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will develop students’ understanding of the complex ways in which education policy, practice and research interact. Students will explore a range of case studies that demonstrate the contrasting aims, values and purposes that drive different kinds of policy interventions. Drawing on different disciplinary perspectives, they will consider how to assess the intended and unintended consequences of policy for practice. They will examine the role of research evidence in bringing about changes in practice and holding policy to account.
The aims of the unit are to enable students to:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, debates and group presentations. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis.
Formative assessment:
ILO 1-4 : 500 word written task summarising key concepts introduced in the unit.
Summative assessment:
ILO 1 & 4 : 750 word analysis of a particular policy document, setting it in its contexts of influence, text production and practice (25%);
ILO 1-4 : 2,500 word essay (75%).
Braun, A., Ball, S., Maguire, M. & Hoskins, K. (2011) Taking Context Seriously: Towards Explaining Policy Enactments in the Secondary School, Discourse, 32(4), pp.585-596.
Bridges, D., Smeyers, P. & Smith, R. (2009) Evidence-Based Education Policy. Oxford. Wiley-Blackwell.
Henry, M., Lingard, B., Rizvi, F. & Taylor, S. (2013) Education Policy and the Politics of Change. London: Routledge.
Nutley, S.M., Walter, I., & Davies, H. T. O. (2014) Using Evidence : How Research can Inform Public Services. Bristol, U.K: Policy Press, 2007.
Saunders, L. (2007) Educational Research and Policy-Making. London: Routledge.
Weiss, C. (1979) The Many Meanings of Research Utilization. Public Administration Review. 39(5), pp. 426-431.
Whitty, G., Anders, J., Hayton, A., Wisby, E. & Tang, S. Research and Policy in Education: Evidence, Ideology and Impact. London: Bedford Way papers.