Practice-based Inquiry

Code

EDUC4114

School

Education

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module will develop or build upon candidates’ existing critical engagement with educational research. This is part of a focus on developing practitioners who understand the complexities of the research process in order to respond to the kinds of research evidence used in educational discourse, as well as to enable practitioners to plan and conduct practitioner inquiry within their current or future professional contexts. These processes will be achieved through:

• examination of literature pertaining to the philosophical underpinnings of educational research;
• conceptualising different kinds of practitioner inquiry relevant to work-based understanding and development (purposes, processes, contexts, dilemmas, outcomes);
• examining a range of approaches to educational inquiry, with an emphasis on action research;
• developing an inquiry into the candidates’ professional context.

Target Students

Available to MA Education, MA Educational Leadership and Management, PG Certificates in Mentoring and Coaching Teachers. Available to PT students on the distance learning versions of the programmes above. Also available for PGT Exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught through a series of seminars.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: 6,000 words or equivalent.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding 
On successful completion of the module, students will have knowledge and understanding of: 
 

the way that educational research can be used to inform practice  

how to carry out practitioner inquiry in an educational context. 

Intellectual Skills 
On successful completion of the module, students will have intellectual skills in: 
 

examining critically literature and research data  

applying relevant methodological approaches in seeking to develop practice  

carrying out practitioner inquiry in the workplace. 

Professional Practical Skills 
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: 
 

participate in educational research practices designed to promote the development of themselves, their colleagues and the organisation. 

Transferable Skills 
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: 
 

develop their abilities in critical analysis, independent study skills, report writing and presentation  

engage in independent reflection and enquiry. 

Conveners

• Dr Andrew Townsend