SEDM1153 - Developing Practioner Enquiry

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methodologies and their key features
2 Evaluate critically the potential usefulness of various research methodologies to specific types of research question
3 Employ research methodologies relevant to their research interests, and to relevant data sets to create a pilot study proposal prior to undertaking research in the student’s setting.
4 Develop an appropriate research methodology for evaluating a specific hypothesis which is centred around impact on pupils’ learning, and gain ethics approval for this proposed pilot study prior to undertaking research in the student’s setting.
5 Provide evidence of meeting relevant National Standards of an Excellent Teacher

Content:

Qualitative research: basic orientations; possible limitations and weaknesses.
1) Locating Sources: the ‘archive’; literature searches; the internet; compiling bibliographies.
2) Qualitative data collection: participant observation; interviewing; focus groups.
3) Working with data: types of documents, theoretical perspectives.
4) Qualitative data analysis: general strategies, analytical analysis; ‘grounded theory’; discourse analysis; narrative analysis.

Quantitative research: concepts and measurement; reliability and validity; issues and problems.
1) Locating sources: using existing datasets (eg official records).
2) Data collection: data generation e.g. questionnaires/ interviewing/structured observation.
3) Working with data: Issues in data collection e.g. sampling, management and design etc; data storage and computer analysis; text-based database programmes (e.g. Endnote); coding analysis programmes (e.g. NVivo); relational databases; spreadsheets; SPSS
4) Quantitative data analysis: Issues in secondary analysis; univariate analysis; bivariate analysis; multivariate analysis; statistical significance.

In selecting & developing an appropriate research methodology & as part of the justification for choices made special reference to the impact on children’s learning in the student’s specific context will be expected. In developing and conducting a pilot study for assessment purposes, it is expected that the student will complete a full ethics procedure to gain approval from Leeds Trinity prior to any pilot research being undertaken.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course will be delivered by mixed-activity seminar/workshops, to include some tutor-led input; whole-group exercises, small group exercises, IT and computing work. Supported by reading, exercises, computer work and a portfolio of reflective and problem-solving materials.
Ongoing reflection on college-based sessions and relevance to the work context will be facilitated by the use of online forums on the college VLE.

Workshop/seminar
Contact hours: 24

Assessment: