Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9025
Title: MA Project
Long Title: MA Project
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 20
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The research project is a mandatory requirement and gives the learner the opportunity to extensively investigate a particular issue (or issues) related to teaching and learning. It allows theories, knowledge, insights, methods, technologies and practices from earlier modules to be brought together within a research setting. The initial idea and its development into a valid research proposal will be formulated in the accompanying Education Research & Proposal module. This module focuses on implementing that research proposal and in so doing, participants will develop a deep understanding of how to apply selected research methods, to gather data, how to analyse data and to write a research paper that adheres to the standard set by a selected journal. Throughout participants will reflect on the ethical dimensions associated with the research process.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate and apply appropriate research methodologies to the research question
LO2 Evaluate the extent to which the research results contribute to established knowledge and how the research process has developed his/her own learning.
LO3 Operate within the values, ethics and moral codes that are integral to good research practice
LO4 Display an ability to manage his/her learning
LO5 Communicate the results of his/her research in a professional manner
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
Research Project
Application of previous learning in research philosophies, approaches and methodology. Implement research methodology and gather evidence to support research question. Analyse and evaluate research output. Integrate with published discourse. Communicate results through a journal-level paper, presentation and a reflective journal.
Research Methods
The range of research methods would include case studies, action research, quasi-experimental, phenomenography, etc. The method needs to be appropriate to the research questions and studied deeply. Appropriate case studies that illuminate operational details should be identified. The chosen method is executed. Reliability, validity & triangulation
Results
Qualitative analysis including inductive approaches and Grounded Theory. Transcribing interviews. Coding qualitative data e.g. constant comparison and frequency counts. Generating themes. Identifying findings. Relating findings to the literature.
Ethical Dimensions
Honesty, reliability, fairness, integrity, duty-of-care. Dimensions of research misconduct. Statutory obligations in relation to data protection. Insider and Outsider in qualitative research. Reflexivity in qualitative research
Management
Research process, time management, role and responsibility of the supervisor and researcher, planning and managing the various phases e.g. developing the method and data collection instruments, collecting data, analysing data, reporting findings.
Writing
Writing a Journal Paper: identifying a journal, working title, writing abstract, introduction, literature review, research method, results, findings, discussion & conclusion. Review process for Journals.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,5
Assessment Description
Draft of the research paper. This is to be peer reviewed and self-assessed
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Research paper. Produce a research paper that targets a selected Educational Journal. The formatting, style and quality should be commensurate with the targeted Journal.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Disseminate the research findings to a CIT audience via a short (20min) seminar
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Critical reflections on the research process and the decision making that directs the process
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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Research Development and Monitoring Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent research Every Week 27.50 27.5
Total Hours 28.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 28.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Research development and monitoring Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent research Every Week 27.50 27.5
Total Hours 28.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 28.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, Keith Morrison. (2011), Research Methods in Education, 7th. Routledge, p.784, [ISBN: 0415583365].
  • Woolcott H.. (2008), Writing up qualitative research, 3rd. Sage, London, p.208, [ISBN: 1412970113].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alan Bryman. (2012), Social Research Methods, 4th. Oxford University Press, p.766, [ISBN: 0199588058].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Irish Universities Association. (2014), National Policy Statement on Ensuring Research Integrity in Ireland, p.24,
    http://www.iua.ie/publication/national-p olicy-statement-on-ensuring-research-int egrity-in-ireland/
  • Sonya Corbin Dwyer & Jennifer Buckle. (2009), The Space Between: On Being an Insider-Outsider in Qualitative Research, International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Vol 8, No 1.
  • Oliver-Hoyo, Maria; Allen, DeeDee. (2006), The Use of Triangulation Methods in Qualitative Educational Research, Journal of College Science Teaching, Vol. 35, No. 4.
Other Resources
  • Website, 2016, 'Popular resources in critical thinking and reflection', UK, LearnHigher, http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk/learning-at -university/critical-thinking-and-reflec tion/. LearnHigher.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HTLHE_9 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 3 Mandatory