Available in 2024
Course code

EDUC4955

Units

10 units

Level

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

  1. Introduction to theories of educational research
  2. Key issues in the philosophy of social science
  3. Research Paradigms: Ontological, epistemological and methodological assumptions
  4. Knowledge, objectivity and relativism
  5. Research quality, credibility, validity
  6. The role of theory in educational research
  7. Major theoretical perspective #1: Critical theory
  8. Major theoretical perspective #2: Poststructuralism
  9. Major theoretical perspective #3: Phenomenology
  10. 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