The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the context of educational research and the foundation of empirical educational research. The module will develop student’s critical understanding of educational research and how this contributes to reflective teaching practice. Educational research methods will be explored and students will also be to understand and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative educational research methodologies and apply these to a piece of primary research.
Entry requirements are a Level 8 degree, minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 2 or equivalent. SETU Carlow operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPL) scheme whereby applicants may be considered, based on relevant work and other experience, for exemptions from course modules and advanced entry.
As critical reflection on teaching and learning practices is an integral part of this programme, applicants should be currently involved in (or envisage being involved in) an active teaching role.
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. SETU Carlow reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
What will I be able to do when I finish this programme?
On completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate educational research methodologies and their application
- Identify their own positionality in the educational research firmament
- Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of the ethics of educational research to all areas of the research process
- Develop research questions, justify an appropriate research method and data analysis approach including use of appropriate software
- Identify, source and evaluate literature relevant to a research proposal
- Present and defend a research proposal