EDM114-Independent Study in Education

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: EDM007 Investigating Education
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: f.r.curtis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Note: This module is taught to Full-time students only in the Spring term and to Part-time students only in the Summer term.  The contact hours listed for the Spring term are repeated for the Summer term teaching.

This module gives students the opportunity to work independently of taught content, critically investigating an aspect of teaching and learning in the academic literature, and evaluating practice in the light of this understanding. Any aspect of teaching and learning may be chosen, but it is expected that students can justify their choice with reference to topicality, their teaching/training environment’s needs or their own practice.

This is a library based assignment.  Students will research their chosen topic showing an awareness of different views in the literature.  They will be expected to use a clear framework to develop an argument and relate theory to practice in the Discussion with reference to their own context or experience.  This will develop students’ awareness of the theoretical ideas and methodological strategies appropriate to their field of research, and develop analytical and critical writing skills.

Aims:

The module aims to support students in their development of independent research skills: finding appropriate literature, reviewing it critically and analytically and writing at a high academic standard while providing the opportunity to acquire deeper knowledge in a field of study that is of interest to them.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Identify, organise and manage an achievable research idea


• Critically evaluate relevant literature to form the basis of the study


• Select and justify theoretical approaches


• Write an effectively organised paper with a cogent argument, demonstrating critical analysis of evidence to support judgements and using proper referencing conventions


• Apply the conventions of academic writing to devise and sustain a relevant, syste matic argument


• Demonstrate independent study skills

Additional outcomes:

• Build reflective skills useful for academic study and in practice


• Build confidence towards developing the skills needed for the dissertation

Outline content:

• Initial group tutorial to define field of study


• Asynchronous online presentations


• Independent study


• Further individual tutorials/feedback as research progresses

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Group and one-to-one tutorials, on-line presentations.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment consisting of 4,500 word essay (excluding reference list and appendices)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is key to the development of the investigative and writing skills that are the outcome of this module.  Formative feedback will be given once and only once on all sections of the work, in such blocks as the student and tutor agree, up to a cut-off date of two weeks prior to submission date.  This may be in the form of tutorial discussion or written feedback, as agreed between student and tutor.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmissions must be submitted within one calendar month of the notification of failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 14 July 2020