Overview

This module aims to:

1. Enable students to plan and undertake a research/enquiry study within a school/education setting
2. Engage students in an international research literature in ways that inform their independent research and ongoing professional practice
3. Critically examine the theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches which underpin research design and the processes of qualitative, quantitative and enquiry-based research.
4. Engage students in a critical evaluation of advanced research/enquiry processes including developing the skills of research design, data analyses and data representation.
5. Provide students with the skills to critically evaluate different research paradigms, methodologies and perspectives so these can be applied within their own professional context.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold PASS C- to C+ range 50-59% has weaknesses in arguments and limited background reading and knowledge Merit B- to B+ range 60-69% Answer is focused with good structure arguments are presented coherently good command of subject but with some gaps in knowledge Distinction A- to A* range 70-100% Highly focussed and accurate work demonstrating wider reading and some original input

Learning Outcomes

• Critically engage with the international research literature in ways that inform their independent research and ongoing professional practice

• Critically evaluate advanced research/enquiry processes including research design, data analyses and data representation.

• Critically evaluate different research paradigms, methodologies and perspectives and apply these within their own professional context.

• Plan their own independent research/enquiry studies within their own school/education context or setting.

• Reflect upon the current theoretical debates within the social sciences and within educational research in order to inform their decisions around research design and enquiry.