Unit name | Researching Education in the City |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUC20003 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Mrs. Lythgoe |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Researching Educational Questions or Introduction to Psychology in Education |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit introduces students to ways of planning and conducting a small-scale research study. Practical exercises will help students investigate the diversity of education in the city environment and reflect on how that diversity can best be captured and understood using different research tools. In analysing their data, students will consider how city spaces shape education possibilities and identities and report on the diversity of learning experiences that characterise learning in the city.
By undertaking real world research, exploring questions about learning and education in the city, students will develop a critical appreciation of what is involved in the design and conduct of a small-scale research study. From comparing their experience of using a range of research methods students will be able to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches and evaluate how they can best be used to answer different kinds of research questions.
The aims for this unit are to:
On completion of this course 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: A 500-word critical reflection on research activities undertaken
Summative assessment
ILO 3&4: A group poster presentation on an empirical project undertaken in the city (25%);
ILO 1-4: A 2000-word report on the research undertaken and any findings, including an assessment of the methods chosen and a reflection on their own learning as they conducted the research project (75%).
Bell, J. with Waters, S. (2014) (6th Edition) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First Time Researchers. Berkshire: McGraw Hill.
Bartlett, S., & Burton, D., (2009) Key Issues for Education Researchers. London: Sage.
Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th Edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilbert, N. & Stoneman, P. (Eds.) (2015) Researching Social Life. London: Sage.
Lupton, R. (2006) How Does Place Affect Education? London: IPPR.
Platt L., (2011), Understanding Inequalities: Stratification and Difference, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Massey, D. (1998) The Spatial Construction of Youth Cultures. In Skelton, T & Valentine, G. (Eds.) Cool places: Geographies of Youth Culture. London: Routledge.
Wellington, J. (2015) Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical Approaches (Second Edition) London: Bloomsbury Academic.