Unit name | Introduction to Educational Inquiry |
---|---|
Unit code | EDUCM5000 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Jo Rose |
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 education. It engages students in the key debates surrounding educational research and its importance in developing educational policy and improving educational processes. The question of what constitutes good educational research is addressed and students will be encouraged to develop strategies to better understand and critique the immense variety of educational research reported in book and journals. 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. Particular emphasis is placed on research designs for complex issues and processes.
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, and involving both independent and collaborative group work with peers.
Summative assessment:
Summative assessment for the unit will be on the basis of two pieces of work:
Essential (Core text)
Matthews, B. & Ross, L. (2010). Research methods a practical guide for the social sciences. Longman: UK.
Suggestions for recommended and further reading will be made separately through Blackboard.