MA Education (Teaching Leaders)KV712 Research Contexts

2013/ 2014

TutorsDr Keith TurveyCheckland Building room: B327 email: K.Turvey@brighton.ac.uk

Richard WallisCheckland Building room:A310 email: R.P.Wallis@brighton.ac.uk

Andy Davies Checkland Building room:A201 email: A.J.Davies@brighton.ac.uk

Irena AndrewsCheckland Building room: A103email: I.L.Andrews @brighton.ac.uk

Aims of the ModuleThis module aims to support Teaching Leaders (TL) Fellows to develop a research proposal based around their work based enquiry (Impact Initiative).

The module introduces research methodologies and considers the ethical concerns that relate to conducting research in the context of level 7 practitioner research activity.

It is supported by work in KV721 that introduces the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake effective literature searches to support research and practice based study and normally also includes participation at Conference at the university.

What to expect in the moduleIn contact time tutors will lead and facilitate learning sets; seminars; discussion of key issues and preparation for assessment.

In non-contact time, TL Fellows will engage with directed and non-directed reading, collection and review of information, preparation for assessment and the on-going development of an online collaborative blog.

Learning OutcomesTL Fellows will be able to:

1. demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between theory, policy and practice and the contribution of education research to that relationship;2. be aware of the role of practitioner research in education and of the process required to create a research proposal;3. write an appropriate and manageable research proposal that has potential to impact on the student’s own practice and understanding;4. demonstrate understanding of the development of a research strategy at postgraduate level with selection of an appropriate research methodology and an awareness of methodological issues in planning research;5. demonstrate understanding of the ethical issues that pertain to postgraduate research in education

Assessment TaskTL Fellows will submit a research proposal to include detailed rationale and methodological discussion to demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and aims developed in the module. The proposal will prepare students for their own research project and will provide evidence of the quality of understanding of research methodology, issues and concerns. (3500-4000 words)

Some Starting QuestionsKnowing yourself as a researcher will drive both your choice of area of inquiry and the approach you will take to research itThe nature of the question will drive the choice of tools to explore your questionThe MA will ensure that the research is grounded in theory

Consider:•What you want to investigate and why?•What will be your methodology?•What research tools might you use?

University of BrightonMA Education (Teaching Leaders)KV712 Research Contexts 2013/14

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Assignment submission is via Turnitin, see Studentcentral, Module KV712, Assessment.The deadline is: by Thursday 21st August 2014 4.30pm (Please note: All extension requests must be submitted to Irena Andrews, as programme leader). Assignments will be returned on Friday 26th September at 4.30pm.

Module MattersThroughout this module you will be working in groups and individually working both face-to-face and online as you will see from the programme. You will work collaboratively to maintain and develop a blog using WordPress.com. Tutors will also be using a group blog to introduce the sessions and provide support materials throughout the module at the following link http://KV721.wordpress.com.

The professional blogs you create are intended to help share experiences of effective practice and track the development of your ideas. However, it should be remembered at all times that these are professional blogs and as such TL Fellows are required to adhere to the following code of conduct when updating and posting.

Code of Conduct•TL Fellows should share general school- based experiences and ideas focusing on pedagogy and practice. The professional blog is not a space for personal grievances or concerns.•Anonymised photographs of, children’s work, displays, planning ideas and resources can be posted as long as relevant permissions have been obtained and any sources appropriately acknowledged. •Photographs of children are not permitted.•In any discussions or blog posts relating toprofessionalpractice,specificschools, children or colleagues should not be identifiedbynameorinference.•At all times TL Fellows should use professional language and the use of derogatory language or comments is unacceptable.

University of BrightonMA Education (Teaching Leaders)KV712 Research Contexts 2013/14

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University of BrightonMA Education (Teaching Leaders)KV712 Research Contexts 2013/14

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Module outline

Session 1May 17th 1000-1600

1000-1200 Introduction to module and link to module KV7211200-1245 Lunch1245-1500 Research Methodologies and Ethics in Education Research 1500-1530 PlenaryFollow up from today:Read and blog response

Masters ConferenceJune 21st 1000-1500

Education Conference Falmer1330-1500 Workshop Research Methods

Session 2 Introduction July 19th 1100-1500

Developing the Research proposal

Assessment Deadline

Submit module assessmentThursday 21st August 2014 4.30pm via Turnitin

Reading List and Learning SupportBooks:•Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2007) Research Methods in Education, (6th ed.) London & New York: Sage Publications•Gillham, B. (2008) Developing a questionnaire. (2nd ed.) London: Continuum•Gregory, I. (2003) Ethics in Research, London: Continuum•Holloway, W. & Jefferson, T. (2001) Doing Qualitative Research Differently Free Association, Narrative & the Interview Method, London, Thousand Oaks, CA & New Delhi: Sage Publications•Litosseliti, L. (2003) Using Focus Groups in Research, London & New York: Continuum Books•King, N. and Horrocks, C. (2010) Interviews in qualitative research London : SAGE•Marshall, C. and Rossman, G.B. (2011) Designing qualitative research (5th ed.) London: Sage •McNamee, M. and Bridges, D.(2002) The Ethics of Educational Research (Eds) London: Blackwell•Mason, J. (2002) Researching Your Own Practice The Discipline of Noticing, London & New York: Routledge Falmer•Punch, K.F. (2010) Developing effective research proposals London: Sage•Pring, R. (2000) Philosophy of Educational Research, London & New York: Continuum Books•Reason, P. and Bradbury, H. (2008) The Sage handbook of action research: participative inquiry and practice ( 2nd ed.) London : Sage•Ryan-Flood, R. and Gill, R. (2010) Secrecy and silence in the research process: feminist reflectionsLondon:Routledge

Journals:•Education Management•Comparative Education•Journal of Teacher Education•British Education Research Journal•Discipline-specificandprofessionspecificprofessionaljournals(Accessed April 2013)