Understanding Education Research

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the philosophies/key paradigms that underpin education research
• Understand the language of research
• Understand the role of research questions
• Identify and situate research in the field of education.

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

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.

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.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.