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EDS 801: Introduction to Educational Research and Evaluation

Convenor: Paul Ashwin

Team Taught

This module seeks to provide students with the opportunity to engage with the practice and principles of educational research, while introducing them to methodological debates within social research more generally. Students will be equipped to undertake educational research and to participate in informed debate concerning its role and function.

Students will initially be introduced to a number of key issues that face those who wish to engage with educational research. They will then explore a variety of approaches to research methods and data analysis in the context of a number of the department's research projects. The approach to teaching and learning on the module involves a range of teacher-led and student-led activities and is focused on offering students the opportunity to actively engage with the issues under discussion.

Brief syllabus

  • Introduction to educational research;
  • Developing research questions;
  • Reading research critically and judging the quality of educational research
  • The design of educational research proposals;
  • Comparative educational research;
  • Combining research methods;
  • Research using secondary data;
  • Researching educational policy and practice;
  • Analysing qualitative data;

Assessment

Assessment will involve two pieces of course work:

  • a mini research proposal (2,500 words)
  • a practical data collection exercise using a particular chosen methodology (2,500 words)

Recommended reading:

Cohen, L. Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2006) Research Methods in Education. 6th Edition. London, Routledge

Poulson, L. & Wallace, M.(eds) (2004) Learning to Read Critically in Teaching and Learning, London, Sage Publications.

Pring, R. (2004) Philosophy of Educational Research.Second Edition. London, Continuum.

We will supply you with detailed reading lists and copies of core readings throughout the course of the module.

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