EDM007-Investigating Education

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Yota Dimitriadi
Email: y.dimitriadi@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Geoff Taggart
Email: g.taggart@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is an introductory module to research in education. Several tutors contribute to the module, and present a range of approaches to research. Students are introduced to the philosophy and principles of research, and three key paradigms. Practical and ethical issues are discussed and explored, and students are encouraged to consider their own positioning on research design and suitable methods they might adapt for future research projects in a critical way.

Aims:

• To provide students with an overview of approaches to research in education


• To equip students to understand and evaluate research studies


• To enable students to develop a critical approach to research design and methods. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of different philosophical assumptions that underpin research and their influence on planning and carrying out research.


• Understanding of research design and its relationship to the purpose of the research


• An understanding of the nature and purpose of educational research and the roles that research can play in education systems


• A knowledge of the range of approaches to research design and data collection 


• A critical approach to the evaluation of research methods and their application in particular contexts


• An appreciation of ethical and practical issues in research and practitioner enquiry

Additional outcomes:

 

• Critical analysis of educational issues


• Advanced library skills


• Awareness of dimensions of professional practice

Outline content:

 

• Philosphical values Underpinning Research


• Action Research Design


• Survey Design and Questionnaires


• Experimental Method and Intervention Studies


• Introduction to Statistics


• Working with Children


• Case Study Design


• Document Analysis


• Interviewing


• Narrative Design 


• Introduction to Qualitative DataAnalysis


• Observation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work and guided reading.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	15
Seminars	10
Practicals classes and workshops	5
Guided independent study:	170
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written course work: one essay of 3,000 words

Formative assessment methods:

Mid-module formative assessment taught session – lecture and workshops

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students will have opportunity to re-submit

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 6 November 2023