Course Description

In this course, we will look at typical assumptions about education research as well as contentious issues in historic and current debates together with basic educational research designs. We will consider past trends in education research methodologies to understand where we are now as well as learn about current developments in the field. The course will introduce students to various approaches and discourses within the broader frame education research. We will review relevant literature and consider a variety of topics in the field; formulate possible research questions and develop initial research designs according to students’ various interests. We will also pay particular attention to research design issues, i.e. how one designs a study so that can answer particular research questions; which are the basic elements of research designs; what are the most typical methodologies and methods in education research. Accordingly, we will discuss the distinction between research designs and methods and how methods can form the basis of knowledge claims about a phenomenon of study.

Content

• Introduction to the principles of education research
• Introduction to literature review, referencing, bibliographical software options
• Introduction to research questions and designs
• Research on improving assessment in schools
• Preparing your own research design
• Classroom based research and designs and formulating specific research questions
• Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research
• Data and sources: Interviews 

List of Sessions 

Wednesdays 9:15-11:45 - S2 059 

• 11 March
• 18 March
• 1 April
• 15 April 
• 29 April
• 6 May
• 13 May - conference attendance
• 27 May
• 3 June
• 1 July - Optional

Additional information

Additional information about the course will appear here. Should you have any questions please contact Prof Zsolt Lavicza zsolt.lavicza@jku.at or lavicza@gmail.com