Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

These modules can follow EDU8010 and all are taken by EdD students.

Aims

The aim of this module is to focus the attention of doctoral students on the practical and theoretical issues inherent in attempting to understand lived experiences. This is achieved through considering a form of ethnographic practice (auto-ethnography), the pragmatic, theoretical and ethical aspects of interviewing and their position within any research process. While most students will have had some generic research methods input, this module, with its focus on self-study and collaborative practice, will provide a space for reflective development as well as an iterative focus on research design and modes of analysis.

Outline Of Syllabus

Pre-course requisite: Written biography describing personal pathway to doctoral study.

Introductory Online Session: Introduction to the module; clarifying biography task.

Session 1: Discussion of positioning and use of own experience; introduction to auto-ethnography.
Between session activity: Dyadic interviews conducted, reflective writing on the experience of process
Session 2: Collaborative review of process; Introduction to modes of analysis (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) for texts, audio and transcripts.
Between session activity: Texts, audio and transcripts analysed.
Session 3: Presentations of analysis, participant validation, reflections on ethics and validity.
Closing Online Session: Discussion of issues students would like to explore further (e.g. impact of mediation in interview, iterative interviewing, visual methods). Identifying the focus of the reflective assignment.

Assessment: Formative assessment will be available from the academic facilitator in every session, peer assessment and feedback will for part of the second and third sessions.
Summative assessment will be an assignment: A reflection on the learning generated about the account an individual gives of their experience, focusing on either auto-ethnography, interview practices or analysis issues (2,500 words).

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• Theory and practice of some specific research methods (principally auto-ethnography and interviewing) together with some understanding of their place within social science methodologies.
• Procedural issues relating to using these methods.
• Developed understanding of their own position within the research process.
• Enhanced understanding of ethical issues relating to these methods and to research participants more widely.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will learn specific research skills:
• Interviewing;
• Transcription;
• Analysis of texts, transcripts and audio recordings.

Students will also develop their:
• Communication skills;
• Critical thinking;
• Personal autonomy as a researcher.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module centres on the discovery, through practice, of issues relating to the account an individual gives of their experience which will be relevant to students’ own research projects and to their reading of other research. It is particularly important for their developing understanding that they experience being researcher and also being researched. Starting from biographical accounts of the student’s own experience coming to the EdDdoctoral study makes the module immediately accessible, but the iterative pattern of action and reflection will enable rapid development of a sophisticated understanding. There is a balance between the transmission of methodological expertise with paired activity and independent learning. Key outcomes are critical thinking and personal autonomy as a researcher, so the framework for teaching and assessment reflects this.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

N/A

General Notes

N/A