M.Ed. Resource Guide - EDU 556 - Applied Educational Research


OVERVIEW OF COURSE COMPONENTS

Course Objectives (Candidates will:) Workshop Objectives Key Learning Points Assessments Assignments

1. Analyze and evaluate the role of research in education

1a. Understand key vocabulary terms used in educational research

1b. Identify processes used in educational research

1c. Evaluate the role of research in varied educational contexts

1d. Apply understandings to specific educational environments

Specialized vocabulary of the discipline:

  • reliability
  • validity
  • variables
  • samples/population
  • statistical terms
  • ethical issues
  • and more

Research processes:

  • notation
  • analysis
  • questioning
  • surveys
  • interviews
  • measurement

Review of Literature and Research (UAP Component)

Action Research Plan, Phase V

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Portfolio

Self-Analysis of Professional Growth and Impact

Textbook readings

Reading of supplemental articles

Embedded Workshop activities

Action Research Plan, Phase V

Analysis of Portfolio

Self-Analysis of Content Knowledge and P-12 Classroom Impact

2. Access and synthesize current literature of educational research

2a. Integrate a synthesis of current research literature into a curriculum development project (UAP)

2b. Apply current research to specific classroom situations

2c. Use research literature to support

classroom-based research decisions

2d. Use technology to access current literature base of educational research.

The Internet is a source of research publications

http://ed.gov/stats
www.ers.org
www.nces.ed.gov
http://ed.gov/offices/OERI
http://ideanet.doe
http://state.in.us/istep

The current literature base of educational research provides the practitioner with primary sources to support informed decision making in the classroom.

Review of Literature and Research (UAP Component)

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Portfolio

Self-analysis of Professional Growth and Impact

Textbook readings

Reading of supplemental articles

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Analysis of Portfolio

Self-Analysis of Content Knowledge and P-12 Classroom Impact

3. Identify, analyze and evaluate several types of educational research

3a. Identify and define types of educational research

3b. Evaluate and determine the types of research most appropriate to answer specific educational questions.

3c. Analyze and apply several types of educational research to classroom situations

Types of research:

  • qualitative vs. quantitative
  • action
  • descriptive
  • experimental
  • ethnographic
  • correlational
  • causal-comparative

The type of research implemented determines the type of evidence collected, conclusions drawn, and curricular adaptations adopted.

Group Report: Types of Research

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Portfolio

Self-Analysis of Professional Growth and Impact

Textbook readings

Readings of supplemental articles

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Analysis of Portfolio

Self-Analysis of Content Knowledge and P-12 Classroom Impact

4. Develop skills to evaluate and adapt an educational context through action research

4a. Identify problems to be addressed by educational research

4b. Suggest appropriate research approaches to address identified educational problems

4c. Adapt key research processes to a specific educational context

Skills of action research

  • assess needs
  • identify problem
  • select appropriate approach for study
  • prepare project (goals, assessments, activities, materials)
  • implement and monitor project
  • evaluate project
  • adjust project, and implement again.

 Action Research Report

Culminating Presentation: Unifying Assessment Project

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Portfolio

Textbook readings

Readings of supplemental articles

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Analysis of Portfolio

UAP: Consolidate and present

5. Refine and complete a classroom-based action research plan

5a. Continue to refine and implement action research plan

5b.. Evaluate evidence collected through action research plan

5c. Design a plan to communicate action research conclusions to the educational community

5d. Develop a plan to fund the dissemination of research conclusions

 

The credibility of the action research plan depends on the appropriateness of the research design and fidelity of its implementation.

Evidence evaluation leads the practitioner to develop a plan for improving student learning.

For research to contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline, practitioners must share their findings with the professional community.

Action Research Report

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Textbook readings

Reading of supplemental articles

Action Research Report: Consolidate and present

Embedded in Workshop Activities

Required Integrated Program Components

UAP Stage Five:
Action Research Plan, Phase V
Action Research Report
Review of Literature and Research
Oral and written presentation of the completed Unifying Assessment Project

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