Students

EDUC7000 – Foundations in Educational Research

2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and lecturer
Rebecca Bull
Contact via via email
Lecturer
Garry Falloon
Contact via via email
Lecturer
Neil Harrison
Contact via via email
Lecturer
Rauno Parrila
Contact via via email
Lecturer
Philip Li
Contact via via email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
EDST8000
Unit description Unit description

The objective of this unit is to extend student understanding and application of the research methods used to explore contemporary issues in a variety of educational settings. A staff member actively engaged in research will lead each of 6 workshops to expose students to a range of methodological approaches and to develop their understanding of evidence-based practice. As students proceed through the workshops they will consider the application of these research approaches to addressing an educational topic of personal relevance and interest.

For those students who are registered for the fully online offering, audio recordings of the workshops are distributed via the unit's iLearn site.

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:

  • ULO1: Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • ULO2: Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • ULO3: Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.
  • ULO4: Synthesise and communicate research and its results to intended audiences.

General Assessment Information

Results for assessments will be reported as grades (i.e., HD, D, CR, P, F). Where grades are used to report results for assessment components with significant weighting, convenors may may also optionally add the suffixes of + (plus) or - (minus) to the generic descriptor in order to provide additional detail. In this case, a "Pass+" would indicate performance in the upper end of the pass range, a grade of "Pass" would indicate a mid-range pass and a "Pass-" would indicate  performance at the lower end of the pass range. This principle is applied to all grade descriptors (HD, D, CR, P, F). In order to meet the unit outcomes and pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Resubmission of an assessment task is not permitted. Raw scores for all assessments will be moderated according to the University guidelines so that work judged to be of a given standard is awarded a moderated score within the following distribution: High Distinction 85-100; Distinction 75-84; Credit 65-74; Pass 50-64; Fail 0-49. The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

Grade Description

High Distinction (HD): 85-100

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 (D): 75-84 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 (CR): 65-74 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 (P): 50-64 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 (F): 0-50 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.

Assignment Extensions

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Appeals Against Grades for Individual Assessment Components

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements. Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Note that it is policy to double mark all failing assessments.

Appeals Against Final Grades

See the Policies and Procedures section for details on appeals against Unit grades.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

You must read the Academic Honesty Policy in the Policies and Procedures section of this guide. Important points:

• Close paraphrasing of another persons' writing is considered 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 Academic Honesty Policy, please seek advise from a member of academic staff. All students are encouraged to enrol in the Academic Integrity Module. The AIM iLearn module helps to develop honesty in academic practices and teaches students the key values of the new Macquarie University Academic Integrity Policy. You will find the Academic Integrity Module on your iLearn homepage under 'Student Support: Skill Building and Help Resources', or self-enrol using your OneID and password. The module will take approximately one hour to complete

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Problem set 1 15% No Sunday 23rd August 2020
Problem set 2 15% No Sunday 6th September 2020
Problem Set 3 15% No Sunday 4th October 2020
Problem Set 4 15% No Sunday 18th October 2020
Problem Set 5 15% No Sunday 1st November 2020
Portfolio 25% No Sunday 8th November 2020

Problem set 1

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sunday 23rd August 2020
Weighting: 15%

Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.

Problem set 2

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sunday 6th September 2020
Weighting: 15%

Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.

Problem Set 3

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sunday 4th October 2020
Weighting: 15%

Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.

Problem Set 4

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sunday 18th October 2020
Weighting: 15%

Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.

Problem Set 5

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Sunday 1st November 2020
Weighting: 15%

Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.

Portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Sunday 8th November 2020
Weighting: 25%

At the end of this unit you will submit a portfolio of documents completed during the course of this unit. This will include reflection on the evidence base for your personal research interest, the identification of your research area and research question, reflection on how different research approaches could be used to address that question and key methodological issues that need to be considered, and a final brief research plan based on principles of high quality evidence-based practice.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge of research methods to evaluate evidence and to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Generate research questions and analyse and evaluate different research methods to address those questions
  • Apply broad and coherent knowledge to generate and evaluate professionally oriented knowledge.
  • Synthesise and communicate research and its results to intended audiences.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Required Reading

One core text book will be used in this course. You can purchase a hard or soft copy. Although the reference is for the 7th edition of the book, you can also use earlier editions which may be cheaper or freely available on the internet. 

Johnson, B., and Christensen, L. (2019). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approaches. (7th Edition). Sage.

Additional Reading

Additional or alternative reading will be provided for each module. These should all be directly available from the library or will be made available on the unit iLearn site.

Electronic Communication

It is the student's responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular basis. Communication may occur via:

• Official MQ student email address

• The Dialogue function on iLearn

• Other iLearn communication functions

Access and Technical Assistance

This unit uses an iLearn web site. You may access this site from https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/in dex.php

An iLearn quick guide for students is available from https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/tool s-and-resources/ilearn/ilearn-quick-guides-for-students.

For help with iLearn email ilearn.help@mq.edu.au

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help. No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions. Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

Unit Schedule

This unit is split into 6 modules. Each module runs for 2 weeks. In the first week you will be presented with the content for the module (e.g., lecture material, research presentations, required reading). In the second week you will work on the assessment task, and you will also engage in a virtual meeting with the module leader where you will have the opportunity to review the module content and apply your new knowledge. Currently, this meeting if timetabled for Wednesday 5-7pm, although if this time is not suitable for the majority of students your module leader will co-ordinate with the group to determine a more suitable time. With the exception of module 1, all modules end with an assessment task that is due at the end of the two week block. Each module leader will provide more specific details at the start of the two week block.

The following table provides an overview of the topics covered in the unit.

Module Leader and Dates Content
1. Introduction and overview of the course

Rebecca Bull

27th July 2020 - 9th August 2020

  • Course overview
  • Course assessments and portfolio
  • Evidence based practice
  • Overview of research methodologies and fundamental aspects of research design
  • Identifying your research theme and question
2. Qualitative Research Methods

Garry Falloon

10th August 2020 - 23rd August 2020

  • Main characteristics of quantitative research
  • Narrative Inquiry
  • Case Studies
3. Qualitative Research Methods

Neil Harrison

24th August 2020 - 6th September 2020

 

  • Phenomenology
  • Ethnography
  • Grounded Theory
4. Quantitative Research Methods

Rebecca Bull

7th September 2020 - 4th October 2020

  • Core features of experimental research design
  • Weak and strong experimental designs
  • Randomised controlled trials
5. Qualitative Research Methods

Rauno Parrila

5th October 2020 - 18th October 2020

  • Quasi-experimental designs
  • Single case study designs
6. Non-Experimental Designs and Mixed Methods 19th October 2020 - 1st November 2020
  • Non-experimental designs (e.g., correlational, cross-sectional, longitudinal)
  • Mixed methods approaches

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.