EDF5613 - Research approaches in education - 2019

This is an intensive unit that introduces students to research in education. The sessions and online activities focus on the planning of an education research project. Students will explore how to construct effective research questions, a range of research methodologies (including data collection strategies) and consider ethical issues in the conduct of educational research. This unit is the prerequisite for EDF5614 (Research project in education) and assignments will involve planning the project which will draw on a particular methodology (e.g. survey, case study, discourse analysis, narrative inquiry, practitioner research).

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

1. locate a research interest within broader research perspectives and methodologies in the field of education and social sciences
2. formulate research questions that are congruent with a chosen research approach
3. design ways to generate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data that are congruent with specific research questions
4. use research processes with due regard to ethical procedures
5. justify proposed research through scholarly and critical discussion.

Research task 1 (4000 words, 50%)

Research task 2 (4000 words, 50%)

Flexible mode offers students blocks of on campus teaching supplemented by online resources and self-directed learning activities and assessment in a supported way. This unit is not designed to be completed exclusively online.

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 36 hours equivalent of learning activities over the semester
2. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to meet the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information