EDF3008 - Researching educational practices

Leader: Associate Professor D Corrigan (Clayton), Dr L Brearley (Gippsland)

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit develops teachers who research their own practice, use data to inform their practice and develop an evidence base for this practice. It will explore methods for teachers to conduct research that includes where this research can occur, what is to be researched, how this research can be undertaken and why such research is important. Appropriate methodologies to be explored can include action research, self-study, case studies, critical incident analysis, observation, surveys, interviews and narrative enquiry. The notion of what constitutes a research community within a professional setting will also be considered

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. appreciate the importance of educational inquiry to the professional practice of teachers;
2. access and develop an evidence base for their acquisition of skills and knowledge associated with undertaking teacher research;
3. demonstrate an awareness of issues associated with undertaking research in a range of educational settings; and
4. develop an evidence base of the impact of research on improving the educational outcomes in educational setting. This includes improvement in teaching, learning and organisational outcomes

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Teacher research project (3000 words; 75%)
Assessment task 2: Evidence-base practice report (1000 words; 25%)
Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of teaching practice

Contact hours

2 hrs per week

Prerequisites

Must have passed units in {EDF1303, EDF1304, EDF2004, EDF2005} OR (Must have passed units in {EDF1303, EDF1304, EDF2003, EDF3002})

Prohibitions

EDF4303