Research Methods

Code

EDEN4023

School

School of Education and English

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn China

Summary

The module aims to introduce research methods commonly used in educational, language education and applied linguistics research. Its serves as a step-by-step guide to help students develop their research projects. It explores various approaches in data collection and processing using qualitative and quantitative methods and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches in relation to different areas of education, language education and applied linguistics.

The module will cover the following topics:
• The nature of research
• Research ethics
• Issues in research design
• Research methodologies
• Methods of data collection
• Data analysis and reporting

Students are encouraged to incorporate the research approaches and methods into their own coursework and research projects.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

Compulsory for Level 4 students enrolled in the MA Applied Linguistics, and MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Optional for Level 4 students enrolled in the MA Interpreting and Translation Mandarin and English. As an optional module, the module availability is subject to timetabling.

Classes

• One 1-hour-30-minute seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour-30-minute lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Timed Coursework 1: Objectively scored questions e.g. multiple choice and short answer format - 90 minutes timed coursework
• 50% Timed Coursework 2: Subjectively scored questions e.g. essay questions - 90 minutes timed coursework

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module it is expected that the students will be able to:
• display sufficient knowledge and understanding of the nature of research, research design principles and research methodologies within education/language education/applied linguistics;
• exhibit competence in critically assessing the limitations of different tools for data collection and analysis; and
• develop professional communication by communicating effectively through both written coursework and oral presentation

Intellectual Skills:
• an ability to assimilate and adapt critically different research methodological approaches employed in education/language education/applied linguistics
• an ability to engage in mixed-methods approaches from the perspective of education/language education /applied linguistics
• an ability to examine critically a range of published research material
Professional Skills:
• an ability to discuss research methodological approaches in education/language education/applied linguistics in relation to real world issues and problems
• the ability to develop academic writing skills in research methods
• the ability to develop oral presentation skills through discussion in class
• the ability to undertake practical research in education/language education/applied linguistics
• the ability to co-ordinate with others through group work in seminars

Transferable Skills:
• the advanced use of computer-mediated research and expressive skills
•  the development of independent learning and self-evaluation

Conveners