Practitioner Research

This module facilitates learners to integrate prior learning from programme educational theory modules, subject specialist modules and school placement modules in the context of practitioner research. Learners are introduced to best practice library research, literature analysis research and primary research theory and practice. They learn to distinguish between various educational research methodologies, including documentary analysis research, case study research and action research. The concept of triangulation is explored as well as data gathering methods, data analysis methods, and research validation and reliability. Finally, principles of research ethics are explored, including informed consent, anonymity and power relations in practitioner research relationships.

1. Construct a concise practitioner research proposal that specifies the research question and the research project design.

2. Systematically evaluate literature in a specified field, employing advanced library database research.

3. Distinguish between different educational research methodologies, including documentary analysis, case study and action research.

4. Apply triangulation in the context of a small-scale group primary practitioner research project.

5. Systematically analyse practitioner research findings and discuss the significance of the findings, in dialogue with literature.

6. Disseminate research findings in the form of a research presentation.