The module aims to support students to build upon existing knowledge and skills as a researcher and practitioner. Students will develop advanced knowledge and skills to develop and design research projects, implement instructional methods that are data-driven and responsive, and assess instructional practices and policies that facilitate student learning. Also, students will gain the ability to use advanced applied research methods informed by theory and inquiry to address practical educational problems and opportunities.
This module serves as the final year-long taught module, and is offered in Year 3 of the EdD programme (pre-thesis stage). It equips students with comprehensive skills in undertaking education research and prepares students to move to the thesis stage.
A. Design and carry out an educational enquiry project using an appropriate quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approach.
B. Analyse the data gathered in a responsible and reflective way.
C. Critically evaluate the research of others across a range of empirical and conceptual approaches.
D. Draw appropriate, authorised, and well-justified conclusions.
E. Develop a plan for dissemination of outcomes to appropriate stakeholders.
F. Orally present the output of the educational enquiry in a clear and concise manner.
This module employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, guest speakers, one-on-one or group consultations, and independent learning. The lectures are both theoretical- and interactive-based to introduce the fundamental knowledge of the module and develop research skills. The materials covered in the lecture lay a foundation for tutorial components, which follow an interactive and project-based approach where appropriate. Online-onsite blended teaching and learning with a flipped classroom strategy provides students with interpersonal relationship skill building, hands-on learning opportunities, and deeper reflective opportunities. Delivery strategies focus on student-centred interactive activities and, where possible, integrating technology to facilitate learning.
Students are guided to integrate the lectures and tutorials with real-life problems in their professional workplaces by designing action research, observational research, or participatory research using appropriate research methods, which leads to building up essential research skills for the thesis stage and future scholarly publications.