Students
SPED833 – Research into Practice in Special Education
2017 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
A/Prof Mark Carter
Contact via Dialog on unit web site
X5A113
By appointment
Senior Lecturer
Kathleen Tait
Contact via email
X5A209
By appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
SPED832
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
SPED830
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In consultation with a member of academic staff, students will develop their research skills through undertaking an approved research activity in the area of special education. Activities may include a systematic review of the literature, intervention, survey, policy analysis or program evaluation. It is envisaged that the final product will be of high quality and be in a condition close to that expected of a manuscript ready for submission to a refereed journal.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Develop high-level skills in literature search strategies and data-base interrogation.
- Analyse, synthesise and critique the research literature in a topic in special education and creatively develop a defensible research question.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Implement research strategies appropriate to the defined research question.
- Critically synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the research activity.
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
General Assessment Information
General Requirements
Good presentation, correct grammar, spelling and appropriate word choice will be expected. Express your ideas concisely and clearly.
Assignments should be consistent with APA Publication Guidelines. In particular, attention should be given to referencing, levels of headings and tables and figures. Quotations should be used sparingly. Normally, no more than one quotation in an assignment is appropriate. Tables and diagrams may be used to summarise data or illustrate points.
Referencing
Your assignment should be formatted according to APA 6th Edition guidelines.
IT IS A SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT OF THIS UNIT THAT YOU USE A PAGE NUMBER WHENEVER YOU REFER TO A SPECIFIC CONCLUSION OR POINT MADE BY AN AUTHOR. THIS APPLIES TO ALL CITATIONS, NOT JUST QUOTATIONS. IN MOST INSTANCES YOU WILL NEED TO USE A PAGE NUMBER WHEN CITING A SOURCE. AN AUTOMATIC PENALTY OF 5% WILL APPLY IF YOU FAIL TO GIVE PAGE NUMBERS WHEN REFERRING TO A SPECIFIC PART OF A SOURCE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REQUIREMENT FOR PAGE NUMBERS FOR EVERY CITATION IS OVER AND ABOVE THE NORMAL APA REQUIREMENT.
How do I Submit My Assignment?
You should save your work as a Microsoft Word file or RTF. The document should be named according to your surname and first initial (eg SmithJ SPED833.doc). You must submit your Assignment to the SPED833 iLearn site. This will include a plagiarism check (TURNITIN).
KEEP A COPY OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT.
How do I use the Assignment Cover Sheet?
A cover sheet for your assessment task will be provided on the unit website.
Note that the checklist on the assignment COVER SHEET must be completed before an assignment is marked.Typing your student number is accepted in lieu of a signature.
Can I Submit a Late Assignment?
Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.
Assignments received after the due date will be accepted provided they are received no later than 5 calendar days late. Note that this is a period of grace, not a new deadline, and extension requests for events after the original due date will not be considered. No assignment will be accepted after 5 days, except when an extension has been applied for before the due date and granted. Note that the 5 day period of grace applies only to the original due date. No period of grace applies when an extension has been granted.
What if My Hard Disk Crashed, My Pet Hippopotamus Ate My Computer, etc?
Computer problems will not be accepted as reasons for extensions. You are responsible for making sure your work is adequately backed up. Make sure your work is regularly backed up on a USB drive or to a cloud-based backup and don't leave your submission to the last minute. Always keep your hippopotamus and computer in separate rooms.
What if I Accidentally Submit a Blank Assignment, the Wrong Document, etc?
We can only mark what you submit. Make sure you re-download your assignment from the location that it was submitted and verify the correct document has been submitted. No consideration will be offered if you submit the incorrect document.
How Do I Know My Assignment Submission was Successful?
There are two options for you to see your uploaded Assignments. 1. Return to the Assignment activity submission point where the uploaded file will be viewable. 2. If the Activities block is available for the unit, click on the Assignments link. All Assignment activities, including those that are ‘already open’ and ‘closed’, will be viewable here. You will receive an email to your student email address on successful submission of an assignment. No claims regarding missing assignments will be considered under any circumstances without a copy of this email. KEEP A COPY OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT.
Special Consideration and Extensions
Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ at https://ask.mq.edu.au as a "Disruption to Studies" request before the submission date. Students who experience a disruption to their studies through ill-health or misadventure are able to apply for this request. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Disruption to Studies policy and are submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, and currently available at:
http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies
Extension requests should be submitted before the due date. Extensions are usually not granted on the due date. Post-due date applications for extensions will not be considered under any circumstances except when the student can provide documentary evidence that it was impossible to complete a special consideration form before the due date. Extension requests for events after the original due date will not be considered
Disruptions due to work commitments require a statutory declaration from a work supervisor (eg. School Principal) stating that the work commitment was not known at the HECS census date.
Performance Descriptors
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High Distinction |
The rationale for the project shows a clear appreciation of the issues to be resolved. There is a pervasive address of the key issues and evidence of deep understanding of those issues based on an extensive critical analysis of the reviewed literature. An exceptional level of technical skill is evident. The standard of written expression is high and there is flawless use of APA style. It would be expected that on submission to a journal it would be accepted with minor revision. |
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Distinction |
The aim of the project is clearly articulated and the rationale shows a clear appreciation of the issues to be resolved. The most salient articles have been addressed. There is an extensive address of the key issues and evidence of deep understanding of those issues based on an extensive critical analysis. A very high level of technical skill is evident. The standard of written expression is high and there is accurate use of APA style with only very minor errors being evident. It would be expected that on submission to a journal it would be accepted with some revision. |
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Credit |
The aim of the lproject is clearly articulated and the rationale shows a clear appreciation of the issues to be resolved. There is strong address of the key issues and evidence of deep understanding of most of those issues based on a competent critical analysis of the reviewed literature. The standard of written expression is very good with no more than occasional lapses and there is accurate use of APA style for the most part. A high level of technical skill is evident. It would be expected that after further development it could be suitable for submission to a journal. |
| Pass |
The aim of the project is clearly articulated and the rationale shows a developing appreciation of the issues to be resolved. There is solid address of the key issues from the literature and evidence of deep understanding of some of those issues based on a competent critical analysis. A competent level of technical skill is evident. The standard of written expression is satisfactory and there are some errors in the use of APA style. Extensive revision would be needed to bring the paper to a publishable standard. |
| Fail |
The aim of the project is poorly articulated, and the rationale shows little or no appreciation of the issues to be resolved. There is poor address of the key issues and little evidence of deep understanding of those issues, which isbased on a very limited critical analysis . Expression is poor and interferes substantially with reader comprehension. There are many errors in the use of APA style. The paper could not be made suitable for submission to a journal and it does not demonstrate an adequate standard of communication. |
How Will I Get Feedback on My Assignments?
Your marked assessment tasks, along with feedback information, will be made available in the Assessment section of the web site where it was submitted.
Resubmission
Resubmission of assessments and assignments is not permitted.
Appeals
Appeals against grades for individual assessment components.
If any student has concern about the marking of an assessment, they must:
- Consult the member of staff who marked the work.
- If there is no satisfactory resolution, an appeal should be made in writing to the unit convenor within one week of the marked assessment being returned or of results being made available. The student should explicitly state the basis of the appeal.
The unit convenor will review the marking and may, at their discretion, ask for a re-marking by a second marker. If re-marking by a second marker is judged appropriate, the final mark will normally be the average of the two marks awarded for the assessment task. Students should note that the revised mark for the task may be higher, the same, or lower than the original mark.
Please note that it is policy to double mark all failing assessments.
The decision of the unit convenor is final.
Appeals Against Final Unit Grades
Students should refer to the Grade Appeal Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html and the Grade Appeal Procedures at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/procedure.html
Grade Appeals must be submitted within 20 days of the release of the unit results.
Grade Appeals are submitted through ask.mq.edu.au
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
You must read the University's practices and procedures on Academic Honesty
These are on the web at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
The policies and procedures explain what academic honesty and plagiarism are, how to avoid plagiarism, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee. Details of possible penalties are at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/schedule_penalties.html
Other important points:
· Close paraphrasing of another persons’ writing is considered to be plagiarism. You must express ideas using your own words.
· Claim of ignorance of the University policy on plagiarism is NOT a defence. If you do not understand the preceding information, please seek advice from a member of the academic staff.
Transcript Numerical Grades
Your overall unit result will be assigned a numerical grade (NG) on your University transcript. High Distinction grades are assigned a mark between 85 and 100, Distinction grades between 75 and 84, Credit grades between 65 and 74, Pass grades between 50 and 64,and Fail grades below 49.
Grade Descriptors
The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.
High Distinction: Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.
Distinction: Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
Credit: Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
Pass: Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
Fail: Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.
Satisfactory Progress
If you fail more than 51% of your units in a semester, you will be subject to review.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination Interest | 0% | No | 9/3/17 |
| Nomination of Topic | 0% | No | 16/3/17 |
| Proposal | 20% | No | 13/4/17 |
| Final Research Project | 80% | No | 8/6/17 |
Nomination Interest
Due: 9/3/17
Weighting: 0%
You need to nominate a general area of interest so a supervisor can be assigned. Examples of areas of interest include non-verbal communication in autism, vocabulary instruction in low progress readers, spelling instruction, teaching money skills to children with disabilities, etc.
Areas of interest should be nominated via the Assignment section of the web site.
Once your general area is nominated, you will be assigned a supervisor via the Assignment section of the website.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Nomination of Topic
Due: 16/3/17
Weighting: 0%
Prior to commencing your proposal, a brief description of your topic must be submitted for approval via the Assignment section of the web site. This should be completed by the due date at the latest but the earlier the better. Your topic description should be a maximum of 100 words and should describe what you intend to examine (e.g., use of tangible symbols in people with intellectual and sensory handicaps) and the form the project will take (e.g., systematic review, narrative review, research study). The most common format will be a systematic review. Narrative reviews can only be conducted after negotiation with your supervisor. Note that research studies will typically require ethics approvals from the University Human Research Ethics Committee and usually from outside agencies. This can take many months and studies are usually only possible with negotiation prior to the commencement of the semester.
If you submit early, please notify your supervisor via email so they can examine the topic.
If your supervisor rejects your topic, you need to submit a revised or alternative topic as soon as possible.
You should not start your proposal until the topic is approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Proposal
Due: 13/4/17
Weighting: 20%
You need to receive approval of your topic from your supervisor prior to commencing this assignment.
In this assignment you will present a brief proposal for your project. The assignment must comply strictly with APA 6th Edition guidelines. You need to present an overview of the available reviews or studies relevant to your area of research that provides justification for your research questions, the research questions, a brief overview of your methodology and a bibliography of research studies relevant to your assignment. You must use the following headings:
- Background and Justification for Research Questions
- Research Questions
- Brief Overview of Methodology (maximum 200 words for reviews)
- References*
- Bibliography of at least 10 Relevant Research Studies*
* NOTE: These items do not count toward the recommended word lenght.
The assignment will be evaluated in the following areas:
- Structure
- Background and Justification for Research Questions
- Research Questions
- Brief Overview of Methodology
- Bibliography of at least 10 Relevant Research Studies
- Expression
- APA style
The suggested length (excluding reference list and bibliography) is 1,200 -1,500 words. There may be some variation in length depending on the nature of the topic but submissions are expected to be concise. Submissions that are not efficient in their use of words are likely to be viewed negatively in marking.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop high-level skills in literature search strategies and data-base interrogation.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Final Research Project
Due: 8/6/17
Weighting: 80%
The assignment should be in the form of a journal submission ready article and comply strictly with APA 6th Edition guidelines. The assignment may take the form of a systematic review, narrative review or study, as negotiated with your supervisor.
The assignment should generally include:
- Title page
- Abstract
- Introduction (including research questions)
- Method (including search strategy where relevant)
- Results (must include assessment of quality for reviews)
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
- Tables (if relevant)
- Figures (if relevant)
An example of the expected format is provided on pages 41-53 of the APA 6th Edition Manual. The assignment should be submitted via the Assignment section of the unit iLearn site. Please see the General Assessment Information section for detail regarding submission, formatting, and general standards.
The assignment will evaluated in the following areas
- Structure
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Method
- Results (must include assessment of quality for reviews)
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
- Tables (if relevant)
- Figures (if relevant)
- Cogency of synthesis
- Quality of critical analysis
- Expression
- APA style
The suggested length excluding reference list and tables is 5,000 - 6,000 words. Students considering work over the suggested 6,000 word length should consult their supervisor(s). There may be some variation in length depending on the nature of the topic but journal ready submissions are expected to be concise. Submissions that are not efficient in their use of words are likely to be viewed negatively in marking.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop high-level skills in literature search strategies and data-base interrogation.
- Analyse, synthesise and critique the research literature in a topic in special education and creatively develop a defensible research question.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Implement research strategies appropriate to the defined research question.
- Critically synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the research activity.
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Delivery and Resources
General Organisation of the Unit
Students are expected to complete this unit with a high degree of independence. Some presentations on key aspects of the project will be offered on-campus and/or online. See the Unit Schedule section of this guide for details.
Technologies Used and Required
The unit uses an Ilearn web site. You may access the site from:
https://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Zoom Meetings will be used for consultation with the unit convenor. You can sign up to use the service for free (https://www.zoom.us) and download clients for computers and mobile devices here:
https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting
Details regarding how to join the each meeting will be posted on the iLearn site. Meetings are limited to 40 minutes.
Unit Schedule
This is an external unit. An overview session will be offered in the first week and this will be recorded and placed online.
| Date | Time / Location | Topic |
| 2/3 | 10am X5A130 | Overview (Mark Carter) |
| 9/3 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 16/3 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 23/3 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 30/3 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 6/4 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 11/5 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 18/5 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 25/5 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
| 1/6 | 4.30pm - 5.10pm | Zoom Meeting (Mark Carter) |
Note: If no students join the Zoom meeting in the first 15 minutes, the remainder of the meeting will be cancelled.
Supervisor Consultation Times
If the unit convenor is not your supervisor, they will nominate specific consultations times. If the unit convenor is your supervisor, the Zoom meeting times must be used for consultation.
Resources
A number of sessions have been pre-recorded and are available in the iLearn site. You should watch these as early as possible in the semester.
They include:
1. Database Searching Strategies (John Elias and Jane Van Balen)
2, Conducting a Systematic Review (Mark Carter)
3. Evaluating Quality of Single Case and Group Research (Mark Carter)
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Portal
The Student Portal provides the gateway to information for current students. It has been designed to bring all student resources to one location. The Portal contains links to Student email and calender, online units, eStudent, askMQ and many other student and university resources.
Access the portal at http://students.mq.edu.au/home/
The link for First Time Login is on this page. You must complete this login to get access to other sites such as eStudent.
The link to eStudent is on the Student Portal page.
eStudent is where students can enrol online, change their study programs, view their academic record, receive announcements from the university, as well as change some personal information that may become out of date.
End of semester results can be found on the eStudent website. Semester 1 results will be released on 15th July 2016. Al
If you are having problems accessing the site (e.g. password/browser/technical issues) contact the Helpdesk (see the IT Help section of this guide).
Check the eStudent Noticeboard and your university email weekly for important communication from the university such as advice of iLearn outages.
Visit http://ask.mq.edu.au to find answers to your student administration questions. Search the Q & A Section for answers and, if you can't find what you're looking for, submit an online enquiry and get a response to your official Macquarie University student email address.
Disruption to studies forms, grade appeals and grade reviews are submitted through AskMQ.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
The Disability Service provides support and assistance to students with a disability/health condition in aiming to ensure that they do not experience disadvantage in reaching their academic potential.
Service provision is determined on a case-by-case basis following an assessment of a student's needs and the provision of supporting documentation. Service provision is also dependent on the availability of resources.
For information about registering with the Disability Service and to download the Campus Wellbeing Registration Form and Health professional form go:
http://students.mq.edu.au/campus_life/campus_wellbeing_support_services/disability_service/ how_to_register/
You must register annually, irrespective of whether a disability/health condition is temporary, long- term or permanent.
Students wishing to request support services from the Disability Service should make an appointment to see a Disability Advisor IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENROLLING at Macquarie University. If you are not registered with the Disability Service at the time of an assessment task, you may not be provided with any accommodations.
Phone: (02) 9850 7497 TTY (02) 9850 6493
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
In person: Level 2, C8A (Lincoln Building).
It is strongly recommended that you contact convenors IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENROLLING (or as soon as possible for temporary disabilities) to discuss adaptations that may assist you in the successful negotiation of units.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop high-level skills in literature search strategies and data-base interrogation.
- Analyse, synthesise and critique the research literature in a topic in special education and creatively develop a defensible research question.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Implement research strategies appropriate to the defined research question.
Assessment tasks
- Nomination Interest
- Nomination of Topic
- Proposal
- Final Research Project
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, synthesise and critique the research literature in a topic in special education and creatively develop a defensible research question.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Implement research strategies appropriate to the defined research question.
- Critically synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the research activity.
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Assessment tasks
- Proposal
- Final Research Project
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop high-level skills in literature search strategies and data-base interrogation.
- Analyse, synthesise and critique the research literature in a topic in special education and creatively develop a defensible research question.
- Develop and justify appropriate methodologies to investigate a research question including a consideration of relevant ethical issues.
- Implement research strategies appropriate to the defined research question.
- Critically synthesise and evaluate the outcomes of the research activity.
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Assessment tasks
- Nomination Interest
- Nomination of Topic
- Proposal
- Final Research Project
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Communicate the results of the research activity to a range of audiences, employing appropriate academic conventions, using both written and oral modalities.
Assessment tasks
- Proposal
- Final Research Project
Changes from Previous Offering
Assessment had been reduced from three to two assignments.
Required Unit Materials and Readings
There is no textbook for the unit but readings will be available from the library. You will need to consult the APA publication manual. This is available from the Library but you may wish to purchase a copy (hard or electronic).
American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Other Suggested Sources
Information about using the library databases to locate journal articles is available at http://infoskills.mq.edu.au/index.htm
Sites providing information about APA style (for providing the references) are at http://mq.edu.au/on_campus/library/research/referencing/