Reading Educational Research

Subject EDUC90620 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Julie Mcleod

Contact

Education Student Centre
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.
Objectives: 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: 1. A 2000 word review of the research literature on a particular topic, due mid-semester (40%);
2. A detailed analysis and critique of a major research project, or a research design for an intended project (3000 words), due in the examination period (60%).
Prescribed Texts: A book of readings will be provided
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): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)

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