Overview
Evidence about 'what works' in both educational research and other social sciences is a contested issue, however there has been an increasing focus on the challenges of developing both evidence-based (or evidence-informed) practice and policy across disciplines internationally.
This module will involve the critical evaluation of educational research utilising and developing the skills acquired in the mandatory Research Methods module. Students will advance their analytical and interpretative competencies necessary for evaluating research based evidence for use within their practice including advanced scholarship of the mixed methods approach which is becoming an increasingly important methodology within educational research. To enable more informed critique students will develop their understanding of the methodology of meta-analysis which is an important tool for systematic interrogation of evidence which requires understanding of quantitative techniques and their limitations.
The module will focus on the analysis and critique of a number of research papers on a broad range of contemporary topics and within a range of paradigms.
The aim is that students are able to read, interpret, critique and understand the implications of the research for evidence based practice. In addition students will have the opportunity of exploring research within their own specialist study area thereby giving them the opportunity of advancing their analytical and interpretative skills in relation to their chosen field.
Aims
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To develop robust capacity to reflect on and critically assess information from a variety of research reports and to increase awareness of key methodological issues.
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To provide an advanced knowledge of the range of approaches currently to be found within educational research with a focus on meta-analysis and mixed methods research, and the arguments surrounding these.
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To enable clear and productive thinking about the critical use of research evidence in making educational decisions.
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To develop skills in presenting research-based evidence and argument which show originality in the application of knowledge, and an understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research.
Learning Outcomes
To complete this module successfully, a student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Confidently, accurately and creatively present research-based evidence and argument to a critical and knowledgeable audience using originality of thought in the approach used to transmit the information.
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Systematically review and quantitatively synthesise research findings utilising the methodology of meta-analysis drawing wider conclusions from quantitative, experimental research studies in relation to the student’s specialist field of study within education.in order to demonstrate advanced critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the academic study of learning and teaching and educational practice.
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Critically evaluate the mixed methods approach to conducting educational research providing a range of theoretical arguments for mixed methods research including pragmatism, dialectical positions and complementarity of approaches.
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Demonstrate independent learning and self direction to work with originality and to communicate conclusions accurately and clearly.
Entry requirements:
In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission candidates should have a Bachelors honours degree or equivalent.
Level: 7
Credits: 20
Cost: £600
Start date: 8th October 2012
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: UCS Ipswich|
Attendance pattern and times:
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2 x Saturdays 9.30am to 4.30pm
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2 x Tuesdays 2pm to 8pm