Module overview
Educational research is a wide-ranging field that draws upon many different disciplines and methodologies. This introductory module aims to help you navigate this complex field by providing an overview of the common paradigms and methodologies that you are likely to encounter in educational research. The module enables you to find, read, and critically appraise educational research conducted by others. The module also provides you with opportunities to practice relevant skills (e.g. searching for research literature, critical reading and writing, creating an academic poster) while discussing ideas with your peers. The module has a mix of plenary lecture sessions and smaller seminar groups led by a team of tutors.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Evaluate research in the field of education
- Identify the dominant research designs and methodologies in education
- Identify and situate research in the field of education.
- Understand the philosophies/key paradigms that underpin education research
Syllabus
The content of the module will typically cover:
- Searching for education research
- Criticality and reflection in reading and writing about education research
- Recognising the underpinning philosophical perspectives for research designs
- Reliability and validity in research
- Identifying and critiquing research questions in published research
- Constructing a critical analysis of published research
- Presenting research
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching and learning methods will include lectures and seminars that involve group discussions and activities, poster presentations, and self-directed study. Self-directed study means that most of the study time for this module takes place outside the lectures and seminars; this is one of the hallmarks of Masters level study. You are responsible for undertaking further reading and searching out articles and books that are of interest and relevance to you and tutors will make suggestions for further reading. Reading for the module is divided these into three categories: "Essential" and "Broader".
- The Essential further reading is exactly what the term implies - core reading that you really must do in order to consolidate and extend the themes and ideas introduced in the lectures. You will also need to complete this reading in order to participate fully in the seminars.
- The Broader reading will extend your understanding a bit further; this will always be in addition to the Essential reading and you may want to dip into these as time allows.
In addition to the suggested reading there is likely to be some 'homework' from the lecture and seminar sessions that we want you to work on, read and prepare for the following week. You must come to the session prepared so that you can engage in the activities and discussions that will take place.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Tutorial | 1 |
| Seminar | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 25 |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Independent Study | 50 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Additional info. There are two main texts that we recommend students choose between. Note that earlier editions of these texts are also fine to use though the exact content of chapters may differ from the guidance below, which is based on the most recent edition. Note that the first edition of "Introduction to research methods in education" is by Punch only. Both of the essential texts are available online through the university library.
Textbooks
Cresswell, J. (2021). Educational Reseach: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Harlow: Pearson.
Punch, K. & Oancea, A. (2014). Introduction to research methods in education. London, UK: Sage.
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. Abingdon, Oxon, UK: Routledge.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Formative Assessment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 75% |
| Academic poster | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Academic poster | 25% |
| Assignment | 75% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External