EDM114-Independent Study in Education

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

Module Convenor: Dr Jo Anna Reed Johnson
Email: j.a.reedjohnson@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, systematic 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials			5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)			140
Preparation for presentations			5
Essay preparation			50
Total hours by term	0	0	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

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:

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:

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

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: 30 March 2023