M. Ed.

Programme SHBIE 2011 EF 5101 Introduction to Educational Research

This course is taught by the following staff: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Santhiram Raman (SR): Weeks 1 -5 (Monday 2.00 4.00 pm (CLT G.14) Prof. Keith Wood (KW): Weeks 6 & 7 (Monday 2.00 4.00 pm (CLT G. 14) Dr. See Kin Hai: (SKH): Weeks 1- 7 (Thursday (8.00 10.00 am (CLT G.14) Aims: The subject will guide the student through the structure and design of an education research study including critical evaluation of literature; purposes and characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methodologies including Action Research and Learning Study and descriptive and statistical techniques for data collection; procedures for preparing and executing a research project including making decisions about design and analysis and ethical considerations for the conduct of the project. It will enable the candidate to link research with practice in a chosen area of investigation. Candidates can familiarize themselves with the process of identifying issues, designing the courses of action and conducting rigorous research investigation in a selected area of research. Module content: The course is organized in the form of lectures, workshops, seminars, problem-based learning, reflective and critical discussion on students practice. It will focus on the following areas: Qualitative and quantitative research and associated issues of experimental designs, quasi-experimental designs. statistical analysis and applications, types of analysis and scores, texts and discourse analysis illuminative research, sampling tools for gathering qualitative data, interviews, classroom observation data, document analysis, coding and analyzing classroom data principles and practice of Action Research and Learning Study Part I Qualitative Research Methods Topics 1. Introduction/administration/course work tasks etc. (SR) 2. What is educational research? (SR) 3. What is qualitative research in education? Schools of thought in qualitative methodology. Quantitative Research versus Qualitative Research (SR) 4. Qualitative Research Techniques - an overview (SR) 5. Data collection and issues of sampling, observation, reliability, validity, analysis, ethics. (SR) 6. Samples of various strategies/models - Discussions Case study/ethnography/historical research/ documentary analysis, discourse analysis (SR) 7. Action Research & Learning Study (KW)

Part II Quantitative Research Methods Quantitative Research Methods Dr. See Kin Hai References: Atweh, B., Kemmis, S. & Weeks, P. (1998). Action Research in Practice: Partnership for social justice in education. London: Routledge. Burgess, R.G. (ed.) (1984). The Research Process in Educational Settings: Ten Case Studies. Falmer Press. London. Burgess, R. G. (ed). (1985). Issues in Educational Research: Qualitative Methods. Falmer Press. London. Cohen, L., Manion L. & Morrison, K. (2008). Research Methods in Education. Routledge. London Gay L. R. (1990). Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application. Merril. New York. Hammersley M. & Woods P. (Ed.). (1976). The Process of Schooling: A Sociological Reader. Routledge & Kegan Paul. London Hammersley, M. (ed.) (1986). Case Studies in Classroom Research. Open U. Press. Milton Keynes. Hitchcock G. & Hughes, D (1993) Research and the Teacher: A qualitative introduction to school-based research. Routledge. London. Silverman D, (2000). Doing Qualitative Research. Sage. London. Verma, G. K. & Mallick K. (1999). Researching Education: Perspectives and Techniques. Falmer Press. London. Vulliamy, G. Lewin, K., & Stephens, D. (1990). Doing Educational Research in Developing Countries: Qualitative Strategies. Falmer Press. London. Assignments: 1. An analysis and discussion of a research paper in the qualitative research area. (50%). 2. An analysis and discussion of a research paper in the quantitative research area (50%). Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Santhiram Room G. 63 Tel: 2463001 Ex. 1924 E-mail: santhiram.raman@ubd.edu.bn Jan. 2011