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Module

EDU8499 : MEd Practitioner Enquiry Research Dissertation/Research-Based Portfolio

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Pamela Woolner
  • Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 3 Credit Value: 60
ECTS Credits: 30.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

• To enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a selected educational topic
• To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of their selected topic through a
practitioner enquiry research approach by devising and conducting an original investigation
• To provide students with the opportunity both to extend their repertoire of methodological skills and
demonstrate a capacity for critical reflexivity
• To heighten students’ awareness of the dilemmas encountered when undertaking educational research

Outline Of Syllabus

The module provides the student with experience of undertaking a substantial, independent empirical enquiry into an approved educational topic. The research can be presented in the form of a conventional dissertation of 15,000 words or, alternatively, as an equivalent, research-based portfolio of the same length. So-called ‘action research’ projects, undertaken pragmatically with a view to improving practice, often lend themselves to the latter format. Tutors will offer guidance about the choice of format and feasibility of the topic (as well as the suitability of its proposed methods of investigation). All research projects, irrespective of format or topic, will be expected to conform to the following requirements:

• The project will draw upon primary data to address the research question (or questions)
• The research will be appropriately contextualised with critical reference made to relevant published
sources
• An appraisal of the theoretical underpinnings of the research will be undertaken
• A reflexive commentary on research methods will be provided and the strengths and limitations of the
design discussed
• The ethical issues raised by the research will be explored
• The findings will be reported in an unambiguous and transparent manner
• The discussion will include reference to the practical implications of the findings as well as
indicating possible future lines of enquiry

The module includes:
1. Interactive session: Devising and planning a research project
2. Regular meetings on a one-to-one basis with supervisor

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1120:00120:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00Module talk - scheduled online introduction to dissertation year
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1472:00472:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision61:006:00Tutorial
Total600:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module is initially introduced through an interactive, synchronous online session. This will enable the students to explore issues of common concern relating to research design, methods and the conduct of their planned enquiries (including ethics). This initial session will be followed by one-to-one tutorials and email support with supervisors.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay3M100Either a 15,000 word research-based dissertation on an approved topic in educational practice, policy, leadership or management.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students could complete either the assessment stated above or a 15,000 word portfolio: a report of an action research project in the student's workplace on an approved topic in educational leadership and management.

The assessment will require the student to demonstrate their capacity to devise and carry-out an in-depth, independent inquiry in the area of educational practice, policy, leadership or management. It will reveal a critical grasp and detailed knowledge of the relevant specialist literature in the area, including salient concepts and theories. It will also provide evidence of the students’ capacity both to evaluate extant research and to reflect critically on the research process. In addition, it will require the student to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of methodological issues, including those relating to ethics. Throughout consideration will be given to the student’s ability to develop a sustained argument that is supported by systematically collected evidence and their understanding of the contribution of education research to the creation and application of professional knowledge. Finally, they will be assessed on their ability to communicate the research findings clearly and unambiguously.

Reading Lists

Timetable