Methodology and Methods for Researching Education

Code	School	Level	Credits	Semesters
EDUC4177	School of Education and English	4	30	Spring China

Code: EDUC4177
School: School of Education and English
Level: 4
Credits: 30
Semesters: Spring China

Summary

This module explores the challenges of designing good education research studies, particularly when researching one's context or practice. This includes consideration of the peculiar ethical and practical difficulties faced by insider researchers. Some introduction is made to common methodological frameworks and techniques but generally the emphasis is less upon specific research methods training and more upon developing dispositions (e.g. criticality, reflexivity) towards research design and practice.

Target Students

Part-time students, experienced education professionals, on the Professional Doctorate in Education

Classes

Eight 1-hour-30-minute seminars each week for 2 weeks

Assessment

1% Assignment: 6000 word written assignment

Educational Aims

The aims of the module are: To integrate education research philosophy, theory, methodology and techniques; To consider the meaning and value of the concepts ontology and epistemology; To introduce the need for congruity between ontological and epistemological position, research methodology, methods of data collection and data analysis; To consider the implication of ethical issues in research; To debate what counts as valid research; To discuss the best ways of setting about investigating educational questions and improving educational matters.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, participants will have:

Developed a critical appreciation of the interrelationship between theory, research and professional practices;

Understood the concepts of ontology, epistemology and methodology and taken a personal position with respect to these concepts;

Engaged with and assessed a range of methodological perspectives on education research;

ethical frameworks employed within the degree;

Enhanced ability to produce written and verbal arguments about educational matters;

Improved ability to assess the quality of research evidence;

Come to understand themselves as a part of and engaged with a doctoral and wider community of educational research scholars.

Conveners

Prof Anwei Feng

View in Curriculum Catalogue

Last updated 09/01/2025.