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MD351 Classroom Research
(20 credit points)
Tutors: Teresa
O’Brien & Richard
Fay
Pre-requisites:
This is a core course unit which is normally
linked to the dissertation topic/process and which should therefore be
taken during the later stages of the programme. Normally full-time students
will take it in Semester 2, and part-time and distance students will take
it as the 5th or 6th course unit.
Aims:
- To develop a conceptual understanding of the principles
of research design and practice.
- To foster an awareness of a variety of classroom research
methods.
- To develop skills in planning and implementing small
scale practice-based research
- To encourage reflection on the processes of: a) conducting
research; and b) developing competence in research design and practice.
Learning outcomes:
Typically, students who successfully complete the course
unit and assignment will be able to:
- Identify a researchable ‘puzzle’, issue,
problem, concern etc
- Interrogate it by reviewing the relevant literature,
by speaking to experts, old hands, informants etc, and by autonomous
thinking
- Formulate research questions and working hypotheses
where appropriate
- Consider possible research methods, select one or more
methods, and justify their selection¨ Design data-gathering tools/instruments
- Implement the data-gathering stage of the research study
- Process/prepare the gathered data
- Analyse the data and reach initial findings
- Interpret the findings in terms of their implications
regarding the research questions
- Conclude with overall findings related to the purposes
of the research study
- Present the research study to their peers
- Critically evaluate the project as recorded through
a reflective log maintained throughout the study.
Key transferable skills:
- Critical evaluation
- Application of advanced analytical skills
- Persuasion through rational argument
- Appropriate academic presentation
- Appropriate language use
Curriculum content:
After exploring different research paradigms,
and conceptualising the research endeavour, this course unit focuses on
a variety of methods and related issues and concerns associated with classroom
research. These will normally include the following:
- Diary studies
- Narrative approaches to research
- Think Aloud
- Classroom observation
- Surveys: questionnaires and interviews
- Technological aspects of research
- Data analysis and interpretation
The course unit will also incorporate the tutor-supported
experience of planning, designing, implementing, evaluating, and writing
up your own small-scale research project.
Teaching method arrangements:
Lectures, interactive tasks, guided reading, case studies,
student-led presentations, tutor-supported research experience.
Core reading:
Allwright D & K Bailey (1991), Focus on the language
classroom. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Beaumont M & T A O’Brien (2000), Collaborative
research in second language education. Stoke on Trent, Trentham Books.
Bell, J. (1987) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide
for First Time Researchers in Education and the Social Sciences.
Milton Keynes, Open University Pres
Brown, J. D. (1988) Understanding Research in Second
language Learning. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Brumfit, C. R. Mitchell (Eds. 1990) Research in the
Language Classroom (ELT Documents 133). London, Modern English Publications
and the British Council.
Cohen, L., L. Manion & K. Morris (2000) Research
Methods in Education (5th edn.). London, RoutledgeFalmer.
Holliday, A.R. (2001) Doing and Writing Qualitative
Research. London, Sage.
Mann, C. & F. Stewart (2000) Internet Communication
and Qualitative Research: A Handbook for Researching Online. London, Sage.
McDonough, J. & S. McDonough (1997) Research Methods
for English Language Teachers. London, Arnold.
Nunan, D. (1992) Research Methods in Language Learning.
Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Seliger, H. & E. Shohamy (1989) Second Language
Research Methods. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Wallace, M. (1998) Action Research for Language Teachers.
Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Assessment:
Part 1 consists of a 2500-3000 word Research Report
based on the experience of conducting small-scale research according to
the model presented in the course unit. Part 2 consists of a 1000-1500
word critical commentary on the Reflective Log maintained throughout the
small-scale research project
Learning hours:
| Activity |
Hours allocated |
| Formal contact: |
30 |
| Guided individual work |
60 |
| Reading and independent study
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110 |
| Total |
200 |
Availability:
On-site programme: Semester
2 (January – May)
Distance Learning:
(normally) April each year
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