Course Resources Archive

The module is designed to enable students to undertake an agreed independent practice based enquiry to consider selected concepts, theories, policies or practices explored in EDM7405 but specifically within the context of the classroom, department or institution.  A key principle for this module is the extent to which individual praxis is developed and demonstrated.

Please note that this module is offered in two modes:

1. University campus based
2. As work based learning. This means that the vehicle for the development of pedagogy is current activities, projects and other initiatives led by the participant or in which they have a key role. These must relate to the school improvement plan and to the participant’s own performance review objectives. The WBL route is an innovative approach that enables participants to demonstrate current competence and develop future capability. The WBL route is open only to groups of staff in the same school or college, or to staff groups from more than one school or college. It is taught entirely within the contracting institution(s). Work for this module is intended to result in impact at institutional and classroom level.

Students will be provided with a challenging introduction to the principles of social research; provided with an update on research methodologies; considered developments in research methods for both quantitative and qualitative approaches and reviewed different ways in which data can be interrogated and conclusions drawn.  Ways of critically analysing findings and developing links with the relevant literature are an important part of this module as are discussions of key research dilemmas and significant ethical issues.

On completion of the module all students should have:

1. negotiated a subject to study that addresses an area of individual interest orissue for development within the classroom department or institution and based upon selected ideas as considered within EDM7405;
2. undertaken a small scale piece of research based on appropriate literature; an effective research design; an appropriate data strategy; a clear summary of findings and a critical discussion and conclusion linked to the insights of the relevant academic field;
3. demonstrated sound knowledge and understanding of research methodologies, methods and tools appropriate to the enquiry; 
4. demonstrated a sound knowledge of the relevant academic field and be able to link that to professional practice in a critical, insightful and independent way.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.