Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9016
Title: Education Research & Proposal
Long Title: Education Research & Proposal
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is intended to provide the learner with the skills, knowledge and competence to develop a research proposal in the field of educational research to a high academic standard, placing a particular emphasis on educational research design and the articulation of research questions with a valid and reliable research methodology. Other topics addressed relate to the nature of educational research and research in general, academic writing and publication, and ethics in research.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a well structured and supported eductional research proposal to a high academic standard
LO2 Apply appropriate research methods to a wide range of educational research problems and questions
LO3 Conduct a critical literature review in the field of teaching and learning, based on an interrogation of a wide range of traditional and modern information sources and services
LO4 Conform to standards of academic research, integrity and ethical research standards, including those of fair use, informed consent and acknowledgement of all sources and contributors
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Educational Research and Enquiry
The nature of educational research and research in general, positivist v.s naturalistic approaches, epistemological and ontological considerations, learning theory and educational research
Secondary Research and Literature Reviews
The purpose and structure of literature reviews, introduction to a range of traditional and online information sources and services, searching techniques and strategies, development of a critical literature review
Primary Research and Research Design
Key research types and styles (e.g. case studies, surveys, ethnography, experimental design, ex post facto research etc) and data gathering methods (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation etc)
Ethics and Research
Ethics in research: academic honesty and integrity, fair use, informed consent, the acknowledgement of all sources, contributors and collaborators; specific ethical issues re educational research
Developing a Proposal
Purpose and structure of research proposals, moving from research topic to research questions, developing your argument, project management for academic research, integrating the literature review
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Presentation on triangulation of two or more key research methods
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Completion of research proposal with critical literature review (approx 2,500 words)
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Traditional lecture format with discussion and other activities based around key theories, practices, and topics arising Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Range of readings, exercises and other formative assessment tasks Every Week 12.00 12
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Traditional lecture format with discussion and other activities based around key theories, practices, and topics arising Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Range of readings, exercises and other formative assessment tasks Every Week 12.00 12
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, Keith Morrison. (2011), Research Methods in Education, Routledge, [ISBN: 0415583365].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jennifer Mason. (2002), Qualitative researching, Sage Publications Ltd, [ISBN: 0761974288].
  • Dr Keith F Punch. (2014), Introduction to Research Methods in Education, 2nd Ed. Sage Publications Ltd, [ISBN: 1446260747].
  • Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes, Malcolm Tight. (2010), How to Research, 4th Ed. Open University Press.
  • Martin Brett Davies. (2014), Doing a Successful Research Project, 2nd Ed. Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 1137306424].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HELDE_9 Master of Arts in E-learning Design and Development 1 Mandatory
CR_HTLHE_9 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 3 Mandatory