Overview

1. An Introduction to Educational Research;
2. The Research Question;
3. An Overview of Quantitative Research Methods;
4. Ethics and Educational Research;
5. An Overview of Qualitative Research Methods;
6. Observations;
7. Evaluating research articles;
8. Designing Questionnaires;
9. Presenting Questionnaire data;
10. Conducting Interviews;
11. Analysing Qualitative Data;
12. Assignment Guidance
13. Single Case Experimental Designs;
14. Case Studies;
15. Action Research;
16. Writing your Research Proposal;
17. Tutorial(s);
18. Internet Research;
19. Academic Writing;

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -threshold 50-59 % •Sufficient planning in relation to the learning outcomes; •Consideration given to planning and structure; •Discussion of at least one research approach and one method; •Links made between research aims and research findings; •Demonstrates some knowledge of research methods and relevant literature; •Demonstrates comprehension of different approaches to research; •Demonstrates some understanding of research study structure (Assignment 1); •Demonstrates some understanding of research ethics (Assignment 2).

-good -Good 60-69% •Showing sustained and relevant arguments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of research studies and particular research approaches/methods; •Employs theoretical perspectives and research methods literature to inform critical analysis of research studies; •Makes clear and informed links between research aims and findings; •Well planned in relation to learning outcomes and structure of argument; •Demonstrates applied knowledge of research methods and relevant literature; •Ability to compare and contrast different approaches to research; •Applied understanding of research ethics (Assignment 2).

-excellent -Excellent 70-89% •Demonstrates an engaged and critical analysis of resources used, showing original insights on contrasting research approaches and methods; •Demonstrates strong capacity to contrast quantitative and qualitative approaches and a wide range of methods, showing original insights on the implications these may have for research findings; •Uses, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of, a range of relevant theoretical perspectives linked to methodology; •Produces original and challenging ideas in relation to research (Assignment 2); •Engages critically with a comprehensive range of research literature applied to research studies and the research proposal.90-100 % Outstanding: This work demonstrates exceptional scholarship and is worthy of publication, or is instrumental in developing professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess, justify and critique different approaches to educational research, including methods and data analysis.

• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative or quantitative approaches and mixed methods in educational research.

• Critically understand and justify the use of different research methods and practices relevant to students’ own areas of interest. (Students may then use this as a basis for their dissertation proposal.)

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of practitioner research issues, for example in carrying out action research projects, and the researcher's own position in the process.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods literature and its practical applications.