SED7196 - Work Based Practitioner Research Project

Objectives:

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

1 - Design and implement a sustained, ethically sound work-based research project that addresses a complex issue, dilemma or problem in Education

2 - Synthesise theoretical frameworks, professional knowledge, and research evidence to inform the development, enactment and evaluation of practice-based solutions

3 - Critically evaluate the impact of your project, reflecting on its outcomes, limitations, and implications for future practice in Education

4 - Communicate the process of development, enactment and evaluation, and the findings of your project clearly and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Content:

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop and conduct a substantial, independent project that addresses a real-world issue of practice in Education. You will apply the knowledge, skills, and critical reflection developed throughout the programme to design and deliver a project that demonstrates your ability to lead action or practitioner research, analyse data, and make evidence-based recommendations for professional practice.

You will:

- Identify a relevant practice-based problem that aligns with programme themes (e.g., ethical leadership, curriculum design, evidence based practice, critical evaluation of practice, assessment, contemporary dilemmas and issues in education, pedagogy and andragogy, initial teacher education and continuing professional learning and development)

- Conduct a critical literature review to situate your project within current academic and professional debates

- Develop a clear research question or practice problem, and a project plan, incorporating appropriate evidence informed proposals for professional actions and tactics, along with suitable methods and data sources for evaluation, taking into account professional and ethical responsibilities

- Ensure that you have gained permissions from stakeholders, participants, gatekeepers and ethics committees, where each and any of these is relevant or required

- Enact your project, collecting and analysing professional reflections and data as as set out in your project plan

- Reflect critically on the outcomes of your project, identifying limitations, learning points, and implications for future practice in both written an oral formats

- Produce a 7,000-word dissertation that communicates your findings clearly and professionally, using academic conventions and Level 7 standards of analysis and evaluation

- Take part in an assessed 30 minute professional discussion with your Supervisor (and a stakeholder or representative of the relevant practice area or the University where your Supervisor decides that this is necessary) which will focus on aspects of your project and allow you to show understanding of the project and its professional context.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module uses a blended learning approach to support the development of advanced research and critical thinking skills in relation to professional practice in Education.

Your learning will take place through:
- Individual supervision meetings to provide tailored guidance on your project design, research methods, data analysis, and critical reflection
- Online and in-person workshops to develop your understanding of ethical research practices, literature review techniques, and academic writing at Level 7
- Independent study to conduct your research, critically engage with literature, and develop your dissertation.

Indicative time allocation for a 60-credit module (600 learning hours):
- Supervision meetings and workshops: 12 hours
- Guided independent study, data collection, analysis, and dissertation writing: 588 hours.

Supervision Meetings (in-person/online)
Hours: 6
Intended Group Size: 1-2

Workshops (in-person/online)
Hours: 6
Intended Group Size: 5-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 588



Further Details Relating to Assessment

You will complete a two summative assessments for this module:

1. A 7,000-word dissertation. This will demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, and critically evaluate a substantial, work-based practitioner or action research project that addresses a complex problem in the practice of Education. Your dissertation should:
- Present a clear research question aligned with relevant professional practice
- Include a critical literature review that synthesises academic and professional sources
- Outline an evidence informed strategy for professional practice designed to address the relevant problem and the outcomes through which the project will be evaluated
- Justify your methodology and project evaluation design, including ethical considerations
- Present and critically analyse the impact of your project, and your findings, identifying strengths, limitations, using appropriate methods that align with your project aims
- Reflect on the impact of your project on professional practice in Education, for policy, practice, professional development or other relevant context
- Communicate your work clearly, using appropriate academic conventions and language.

Formative feedback will be provided through supervision meetings at key stages, including project design, literature review, draft analysis, and structure. You are encouraged to submit draft sections for feedback and engage fully with your supervisor to refine your work.

2. You will hold a 30 minute professional discussion about your project with a tutor.
The professional discussions will include discussions about:
- The outcomes of your project
- Limitations reflecting on any changes you may have made as a result of learning points
- Implications for future practice and how you plan to disseminate these finding to a wider audience.

Please refer to the Module Handbook for full details of the assessment task, marking criteria, and submission guidelines.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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