This module enables students to design and carry out educational research in an area related to their own professional interest. Following ethical approval (for students undertaking an empirical study or action research project), students will select a methodological approach which is appropriate for the aims and objectives of their study. The research will be informed by a review of literature related to the research topic. Findings will be presented in a logical and transparent manner, followed by a critically reflective analysis of the data gathered. The study will conclude with a consideration of the relevance of the findings for professional practice, and recommendations for future practice.



If students are unable to gain ethical approval, then students will be required to complete a desk-based study.

An investigation into an educational issue which can take the form of either:

An empirical study

An action research project

A desk based study

There are two assessed elements to the module.

1. A presentation which reviews the project plan and proposed methodological and ethical principles which have informed the research design (10 mins) followed by questions (5 mins) - LO4

2. A 10,000 word written research report which:

a) Provides an informed literature base which supports the rationale for the study and identifies the key issues and debates relevant to the subject of investigation (LO1)

b) Justifies the methodological approach employed to ensure the study is robust and gives due consideration to the underpinning ethical principles. (LO2)

c) Presents research data generated through the project in a transparent manner and analyses this data to address the research aim, objectives and questions (LO3)



Ethical approval is required at the appropriate level prior to commencing the data collection element of the research project.

Teaching and learning strategies on MA Education programmes are designed to develop personal, intellectual and professional skills. Students will encounter teaching and learning approaches that ensure the development of:¿

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Strategies of communicating clearly¿

Enhanced independent thinking¿

Understanding the societal, environmental and global potentials of education¿

Creative problem solving¿

Critical thinking¿



To support this skill development and to ensure that students develop subject knowledge and understanding, subject specific skills and focused transferable skills, a range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed so that critical engagement with aspects of education are developed. These might include:¿

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Individual participant learning activities¿

Group discussions¿

Participation in discussion forums¿

Group work¿

Peer review¿¿

Engagement with course and learning materials¿

Independent research¿

Enhancing technological skills¿

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There will also be the opportunity to receive developmental formative feedback focused on academic and professional development.¿



This module has a research focus and students will be expected to develop autonomous learning, managing their research project whilst participating in a research community. Students will develop independent viewpoints which can be substantiated through scholarship and will develop analytical skills as they embark on individual educational project work.

Demonstrate an informed understanding of the key issues and debates related to an educational issue that is worthy of investigation.

Knowledge & Understanding


Critically evaluate research methodologies in order to design a methodologically robust, ethical and manageable research study.

Enquiry


Systematically analyse data to bring new insight into the educational issue that has been investigated.

Analysis


Effectively communicate the project plan and progress made to an academic and peer audience.

Communication

Clark, J.S.¿et al.¿(2024)¿Action Research. Place of publication not identified: New Prairie Press.



Lichtman, M. (2023) Qualitative Research in Education. London: Routledge



Michelli, N.M.¿et al.¿(2024)¿Education for Social Justice: The Meaning of Justice and Current Research. Oxford: Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003361770.



Symeonidis, V. (Ed.) (2024) Enhancing the Value of Teacher Education Research. Leiden: Brill.



Tian, M. (2023)¿Arts-Based Research Methods for Educational Researchers. 1st edn. Oxford: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003196105.


Wallerstedt, C. (2023)¿Methodology for Research with Early Childhood Education and Care Professionals Example Studies and Theoretical Elaboration. 1st ed. 2023. Springer International Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14583-4.

Unless otherwise stated, all books are available online through Staffordshire University library website and each module has an online reading list accessed through the VLE.¿

Study skills:¿¿There is extensive guidance on academic writing, research skills and working at Master’s level available at¿https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/study-skills.

VLE Resources¿¿

The University VLE (Blackboard) will enable access to course materials, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations and reading lists.¿ The VLE offers opportunities to engage in group work and independent learning¿by the use of¿such things as synchronous/asynchronous discussion boards, video links, blogs and wikis.¿¿

Teams

Teams may be used for one to one tutorial work and students will have access to Microsoft Office 365.

This research module will enable you to engage with literature and theoretical frameworks, collect data and analyse findings culminating in a unique independent research project. You will complete an individual research project relating to education that demonstrates rigorous standards of advanced scholarship, skills of critical analysis and argumentation and the ability to synthesise theories and evidence.