| Unit name | Research Methods for Science Education |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM4003 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wishart |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit is targeted at education professionals including teachers who are undertaking small-scale research projects themselves. It aims to underpin the students' own research and to ensure that the students engage critically with research data. The unit itself is underpinned by the theoretical concept of the education professional as a reflective practitioner informed through evidence based practice within the sociocultural context of a teaching and learning environment. Students will be introduced to a range of research designs frequently used in education and the pros and cons in their deployment. Students will consider the dominant methods of data collection and analysis in the context of science education, reflect on their underlying philosophies and learn to use their associated tools. They will be expected to complete practical activities within classroom or other suitable contexts that are designed to illustrate the underlying theories.
The unit will also include an overview of the use of information and communication technologies to support information retrieval, data collection and analysis.
Aims:
The teaching strategy will employ three broad approaches, where appropriate, with the aims of contextualising as well as theorising issues of central importance, the development of student autonomy, and the individualisation of study and support. These are:
Face to Face Teaching Examples here include large and small group teaching methods, including presentations from staff and experienced professionals, debates, case study analyses, student presentations and practical workshops.
ELearning ELearning approaches will be used to facilitate individualised study and support within the broad parameters of the units and programme. These will include: on-line discussion (with individuals and groups, online supervision and peer mentoring, guidance and feedback. Critical use of Web resources will be encouraged.
Research Where appropriate, for example in order to provide data for analysis or to support a dissertation study, the use of action research, small-scale empirical studies and observations of professional practice will be encouraged and facilitated.
Presentation of the student’s own small-scale research project accompanied by a 4000 word (or equivalent) written assignment reporting on its development, implementation and evaluation.
