Overview

Module Content

This module focuses on school-focused educational research and it will have both university-based and school-based learning and will be collaborative in approach. The module will be based on an enquiry-based model of learning and teaching.

Module content:

• Key issues in school or setting-focused research;

• Identifying areas of practice that would benefit from an analysis of the evidence base. How can research be used to inform practice?

• Considering which skills and behaviours to measure in an evaluation of education practice. Reflect how decisions about measurement impact practice;

• Identifying a line of enquiry to negotiate, plan, design, implement and evaluate a small scale educational research project;

• Research methods and methodologies as appropriate to the qualitative and quantitative paradigms;

• The ethics of educational research;

• Finding, reading, and critically evaluating relevant peer-reviewed, published research;

• Methods of analysis and presentation as appropriate to the qualitative and quantitative paradigms;

• Critical analysis and authorial voice within the context of academic writing;

• Critical analysis and voice within the context of popular writing, in order to share research findings with a wider audience;

• Associate Teachers will be guided to design research projects within their scope and capable of yielding results which will be of value to the Associate Teacher, the participants, the school, and a broader audience. It will also equip Associate Teachers to review and reflect on their reading critically and to present results appropriately.

The four purposes of the curriculum areas will be embedded throughout the module.

Developing children as:

• Ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives; Enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work;

• Ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world;

• Healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

Research Methods and Methodology

Comprehensive coverage of research paradigms/ methodologies and method as appropriate to a small scale, professional enquiry.

Academic Study Skills

Development and refinement of: (embedded within module content and assignment context):

• time and task management skills;

• reading for academic purposes ;

• planning assignments;

• critical thinking, analysis and developing an argument;

• assignment structure;

• academic writing style;

• referencing;

• information literacy;

• reflective learning.

Cymraeg Pob Dydd and Curriculum Cymreig

Bilingualism and Bilingual Education (this will include Cymraeg Pob Dydd)

Potential research focus

ALN, Inclusion and Differentiation

Potential research focus

Health and Well-being

Potential research focus

**Note that all content and assessments will be explicitly linked to the new professional standards for teaching and assessment. They can be found at http://learning.gov.wales/docs/learningwales/publications/170901-professional-standards-for-teaching-and-leadership-en.pdf

How this module contributes towards the associate teachers progress against the professional teaching standards is tracked in an additional document.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate published research around a chosen area of enquiry;

• Critically analyse and synthesise the evidence supporting conclusions including its reliability, validity and significance; and investigate contrasting information and alternative perspectives;

• Deploy a wide range of techniques of research and enquiry appropriate to the discipline;

• Explain the importance of ethical research design and reporting and provide evidence of adherence to the University regulations.;

• Explain the significance of independent research, both from literature and practice-based experience, to their professional development;

• Plan and present findings in ways which demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to the conventions of high-status publications.