A variety of learning and teaching methods are used such as presentations, group discussions, case studies, problem based learning activities and participant centred investigations. There is a strong emphasis on activity-focused learning and participants are expected to actively engage in all sessions. In addition, participants are required to engage in independent study so as to consolidate and build upon their learning in taught sessions. This takes the form of undertaking follow-up tasks and work based self-assessments and reading key texts and research papers.

This module presents approaches to research design in a professional education context. The following topics and issues will be explored: Research principles and paradigms; strategies for data collection. Data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation. Research Management: planning and organising a research project; identifying researchable issues; critically engaging with academic literature; time and task management; organising fieldwork. Ethical issues in education research, consent and confidentiality issues.

- University Library for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals
- Materials and resources on the module VLE
- Access to academic and library support

Detail - A written research proposal (7000 words) weighted at 100% which shows the participant's:
a) Rationale for topic choice in relation to professional context
b) Critical understanding and analysis of key literature in the chosen research area
c) Refined aim and objectives of the research project
d) Detailed research design and methodological approach to the proposed research project

(Details of the specific contents of the research proposal and assessment criteria are provided in the module handbook.)

Basit, T. N. (2010) Conducting Research in Educational Contexts. London: Continuum
Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project. 5th Edition Milton Keynes: Open University Press
Blaxter, L. Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (2006) How to Research. 3rd Edition Buckingham: Open University
Burton, D. and Bartlett, S. (2009) Key Issues for Education Researchers. London: Sage
Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2007) Research Methods in Education. 6th Edition London: Croom Helm
Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (2003) (eds) Qualitative Research Practice, London: Sage.
Yin, R. (2009) Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage