EDUC4955
10 units
4000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course is an introduction to fundamental discussions and concepts in educational research. Students will engage with key debates in the philosophy of social science and consider the role of theory in educational research.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Understand key issues in the philosophy of social science including recognising how different paradigms conceptualise knowledge, validity and the researchers' position
2. Understand the role of theory in research and become familiar with some of the major contemporary theoretical perspectives in educational research
3. Understand competing traditions of education research and the implications for research design
Content
- Introduction to theories of educational research
- Key issues in the philosophy of social science
- Research Paradigms: Ontological, epistemological and methodological assumptions
- Knowledge, objectivity and relativism
- Research quality, credibility, validity
- The role of theory in educational research
- Major theoretical perspective #1: Critical theory
- Major theoretical perspective #2: Poststructuralism
- Major theoretical perspective #3: Phenomenology
- Paradigm, methodology, theory, and research project design
Requisite
To enrol in this course student must have completed EDUC1103 and EDUC2102.
To enrol in this course student must be active in one of the following programs:
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) [12366],
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) (Honours) [12367],
Bachelor of Teaching (Humanities) (Honours) [12368],
Bachelor of Teaching (Health and Physical Education) (Honours) [12370],
Bachelor of Teaching (Mathematics) (Honours) [12371],
Bachelor of Teaching (Science) (Honours) [12372],
Bachelor of Teaching (Technology) (Honours) [12373],
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) [40108],
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood) (Honours) [40109], or
Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours) [40110].
Assumed knowledge
To enrol in this course student must have completed a minimum of 160 units of undergraduate study including 80 units study in Education.
Assessment items
Presentation: Seminar Presentation
Written Assignment: Assignment 2
Written Assignment: Review of research literature
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- EDUC4955 - Semester 1, 2024 (All) (PDF, 437.6 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.