| Unit name | Research Methods in Language Education |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0092 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Matt Kedzierski |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This core unit provides an introduction to the research approaches and the specific methods of data collection and analysis used to conduct research in foreign language education, with a particular focus on English as a foreign or additional language. By drawing on examples of such research, you will learn the principles of research design underpinning the entire process of conducting research from the initial stages of thinking about research questions to designing a project, choosing particular methodologies and methods. You will also develop an understanding of the different criteria used for assessing the robustness of research findings, as well as what it means to do research ethically. You will have opportunities to engage with and critique qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies, conducted by academics and other Masters-level students.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit is an integral part of the MSc TESOL curriculum. It draws on the research practices and constructions of knowledge discussed in the other core units on the programme, and especially Second Language Learning, and Pedagogy and Curriculum in Language Education. The skills developed in this unit are critical to your success on both the optional units and during the Dissertation stage of the programme.
An overview of content
The unit presents the main philosophical and methodological positions within social science research with special reference to research in foreign language education and applied linguistics.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will learn to appreciate the importance of critically engaging with research literature. They will understand and engage with the process of research design and its conduct, including issues in data collection and analysis. The unit aims to prepare students for designing and implementing a research study for the Masters dissertation as well as enrich their reading and understanding of research literature.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the unit students will be able to:
This unit will be taught using a mixture of activities including seminars, lectures, reading and discussions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Instructor feedback (oral and written) on students' work will be provided through tutorials and informally through classroom discussions and presentations. Self-reflection and peer-to-peer collaboration is also used to encourage engagement with theory and practice.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
A 3000-word written assignment critiquing a research approach selected by the student. 100% (ILOs 1-5)
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis. Students will resubmit a revised version of the original work.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUCM0092).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
