Reading Educational Research

Subject EDUC90620 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

February, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start 22-Feb-2016
Teaching Period 27-Feb-2016 to 12-May-2016
Assessment Period End 01-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 23-Feb-2016
Census Date 18-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 29-Apr-2016

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start 06-Aug-2016
Teaching Period 13-Aug-2016 to 08-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 31-Oct-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 08-Aug-2016
Census Date 26-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 30-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours. 'February availability 1 x 6 hr Saturday class, 1 x 6 hr Sunday class, 4 x 3 hour Wednesday classes 5.15 - 8.15; August availability: 4 X 6hr Saturday classes.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Dianne Mulcahy, Dr Russell Cross

Contact

Russell Cross is subject coordinator in semester 1

r.cross@unimelb.edu.au

Dianne Mulcahy is the coordinator of the August availability

monicadm@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce students to various traditions in educational research. It will be structured around an investigation of several major research projects in education, analysing the research questions, the conceptual framework, the methodological decisions made, reliability, validity and ethical considerations, the analytical techniques, and the conclusions reached. The projects for investigation will be chosen to highlight contrasting ways of undertaking educational research.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject, students will be able to:

  • Understand the purposes to which different educational research methodologies can be put;
  • Realise the importance of a coherent research design with purpose, methodology and analytical framework in alignment;
  • Read reports of educational research in various traditions with understanding;
  • Read educational research with critical awareness of its strengths and limitations.
Assessment:

There are two assessment tasks:

  • Reader response: Critical review of research article, up to 2000 words. Due mid semester (40%)
  • Comparative evaluation of research approaches to an educational issue, up to 3000 words. Due Examination period (60%)

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance at all tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Prescribed Texts:

Prescribed text:
O'Toole, J., & Beckett, D. (2010). Educational Research - Creative Thinking & Doing (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Recommended text:
Kervin, L., Vialle, W. J., Herrington, J. A., & Okely, A. D. (2006). Research for educators. Melbourne, Australia: Thomson Learning.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject, students will be able to;

  • Understand a range of research practices more fully;
  • Understand the dependence of research results on the methodology and analytical framework employed.
  • Read academic work with an increased critical capacity.
Related Course(s): Doctor of Education
Master of Education
Master of Education
Master of Education (Educational Management)
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate)
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate)
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate)
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate) DP
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate) DP
Master of Education (International Baccalaureate) PYP
Master of Numeracy

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