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Description
About this module: In this module you will work towards completion of a dissertation, based on a piece of original research. The module spans one year.听 You will be supported in preparing a proposal for your dissertation. Once you have completed your proposal and research ethics form you will work closely with your dissertation tutor to implement the proposal, start conducting the research and write the dissertation.听 The final submission will comprise of a 2,000 word proposal and 17,000 word dissertation.听听听
You will be assessed on the basis of a portfolio comprised of a proposal, evidence of having peer-reviewed another proposal, an ethics approval application and a dissertation. The portfolio will be assessed holistically.听听
Content: This module explores the principles of research and outlines different methodologies and methods of research.听听
Teaching delivery:听 In term 1 this module is taught in weekly online group sessions (45 minutes).听 Additional one-to-one tutorials will also be offered to discuss possible topics and approaches. In term 2 there are three online sessions as well as ongoing support from your tutor.听 In term 3 two online sessions are provided as well as the ongoing support from your tutor.听听听
Indicative Topics: Topics such as the following will be covered. Different approaches to research, practical and ethical considerations, formulating your research question(s), reading research critically, writing your literature review, methods of data collection (including surveys, interviews, focus groups, action research, interventions, case studies, documentary research and systematic reviews), preparing your proposal, completing the research ethics form, analysing data and writing the dissertation.听
Module aims: In line with core IOE MA programme aims, this module aims to:听
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develop in students an ability to carry out a sustained and systematic piece of academic or professional enquiry in their chosen area of research interest;听
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develop students鈥� ability to critically assess the benefits, limitations, values and impact of research in their field/ discipline;听听
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increase students鈥� knowledge and understanding of different approaches to education research, and to develop the capacity to apply this appropriately to a piece of small-scale enquiry;听
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enable participants to reflect critically on the benefits and limitations of their own and others鈥� research;听听
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enable participants to make a contribution to the overall body of knowledge and/or policy in their chosen discipline;听听
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improve students' practice through their engagement in an enquiry of their own.听
Recommended readings:听听听
Bell, J. (2010) Doing your research project : a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science (5th ed) Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Open University Press.听听听
Scott, D., & Morrison, M. (2007). Key ideas in educational research London: Continuum.听
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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