EDF6005

Reading, interpreting and communicating research ( 12 points, SCA Band 0, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Assoc. Prof. G Tsolidis (Module 1); Dr J Ryan (Module 2)

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2006 (Evening)
Clayton First semester 2006 (OCL)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: The unit consists of two modules. Module 1 provides an overview of significant debates about the nature of knowledge and different research approaches in the fields of social science and education, including ethical issues in research. Module 2 is designed to develop students' ability to identify and interpret research literature across a range of academic genres, including the processes of locating and retrieving research literature.

Objectives: Upon completion of this unit students should be able to: *understand different research perspectives and methodologies in the field of education and social sciences; *have an awareness of their ethical responsibilities when undertaking research; *reflect on the meanings and motivations they bring to the research endeavour; *perceive the interconnections between research questions, data forums, research methodologies and methods *formulate research questions and link these to designs; *systematically identify and locate a range of research literature on a topic of interest to them; *interpret and critically evaluate this literature with respect to its usefulness in a specific setting (typically the students' own work setting or focus of study); *engage with a range of conventions and stylistic features of academic writing; prepare a summary of the implications of this literature in a selected academic genre.

Assessment: Two research papers tailored to the needs of the student group, together comprising 8000 words.

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week