The learning strategies will require students to commit 300 learning hours.
Lectures (10 x 3hrs taught contact time) provide students with a broad theoretical overview and the conceptual frameworks which underpin educational research.
Taught sessions will focus on research methods and methodology. Topics studied include: quantitative and qualitative methods, action research; presenting and analysing data and epistemology. Tutorials will focus on the collation sequencing and analysis of relevant material; engaging in critical reflection; discussing and overcoming problems involved in the process of draft and redraft; and the use of appropriate referencing and bibliographies. Tutorial support activities will provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills to apply the underpinning theories to an examination of their own practice, in preparation for the assignment. Group tutorials will focus on the processes of undertaking an individual study and writing a report.
A further 270 hours of independent study will require students to read and think about the each step of the research process as it applies to their chosen line of enquiry. This will form the basis of the assignment.
Students will be expected to carry out a range of work related activities that enable them to apply theoretical perspectives gained during lectures to practice.
Students are also required to organise and review their lecture notes and undertake preparatory reading and research on assigned materials in order to participate in, and lead, class discussions individually and as part of a group.
Students will be expected to make full use of the VLE, contributing to discussion boards and submitting work related tasks to the module tutor.
A range of formative assessment activities will be undertaken during the module to enable participants to successfully complete their project. These activities will include sharing experiences in a small group tutorial in relation to defining a topic or theme; making a presentation that indicates the chosen line of enquiry and an overview of the literature; contributing methodology ideas to the VLE; Attending and presenting an oral update on research at a Saturday School.

Blackboard VLE

The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a small scale research project. The content of the project will be determined by the selection of the topic to be studied and the framing of the research questions. The choice of topic and research questions will be guided by the module tutor in response to the student's identification of issues relevant to their current practice and interests.

Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project, 3rd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press
Jones, S. (1999) Doing Internet Research: Critical Issues and Methods for Examining the Net, Thousand Oaks, California, Sage
Kellet, M. et al Doing Research with Children and Young People Sage
Lowe, M (2006) Beginning Research London Routledge
Roberts-Holmes, G. (2005) Doing Your Early Years Research Project: a step by step guide. London. Paul Chapman Publishing.

A dissertation length 5000 words weighted at 100% - Tests learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6