Research Methods in Education

Unit code:EED7001Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

City Campus
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Online Self-Paced
VU Brisbane
VU Online
VU Sydney

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

Research is an integral element of education. The intention of this unit is to provide students, both practitioner researchers and those who wish to advance in their trajectory as researchers with a conceptual and critical overview of educational research methodologies and methods. Students will familiarise themselves with methodological literature, explore current literature related to their chosen area of inquiry and experience developing a research proposal. Students are advised to complete this unit preceding the minor thesis, capstone or curriculum specialisation.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Analyse and critique contemporary perspectives and theories related to educational research including respectful research tied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and language;
Explicate the essential elements and processes involved in undertaking qualitative educational research;
Elucidate an understanding of the need for the ethical conduct of research, and an awareness of the processes for applying for ethics approval when undertaking educational research;
Critically reflect on and evaluate different approaches to research;
Implement a design for a research project;
Critique how research can be used to inform literacy and numeracy strategies in teaching contexts.