Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines 

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment: 

• Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments. 

• Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. 

• All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format  

• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin. 

• Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required. 

 

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports 

• Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. 

• Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report. 

• The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date. 

• Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date. 

 

Please note: 

• Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission, 

• Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time. 

 

Assignment extensions and late penalties 

• 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 submissions: 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. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed. 

 

• If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.  

 

• Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date. 

 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment 

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.  

Note: 

• Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.  

• The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade.  

• Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.  

 

Units with Quiz Assessments 

Online quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion. Please see the Academic Honesty Handbook for more information. 

 

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information. 

 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45. 

 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016 

 

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades. 

  

Grade	Descriptor
HD  (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.
D  (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.
Cr  (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.
P  (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
F  (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.

 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of  the placement. 

 

Withdrawing from this unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. 

 

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. 

Required and recommended texts 

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 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.

 

Unit delivery and communication

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.  

Regular (preferably daily) access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials

 

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

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. 

The unit is split into 6 two-week modules, each led by a staff member who has expertise in that specific research approach. Each module includes pre-recorded presentations, recommended readings, and may include an activity such as a discussion forum, quiz, or preparation for a tutorial. Each module will also have a scheduled 2 hour tutorial - these are not compulsory but you are strongly encouraged to attend. The tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss course content and will include activities that aid your understanding of the unit material and help to complete the assessment for that module. It is also a great opportunity to interact with and learn from your fellow classmates.

The following table provides an overview of the activities for each module, the scheduled tutorial time, and the due dates for assessments. Please carefully review the unit schedule so you know what activities you are participating in each week. Note that content for each module will be opened Sunday morning to provide you with an opportunity to review the material and plan your work schedule. Note that assignments are due for submission on Saturday evenings by 11.55pm – there is one exception in Module 5 where there are multiple deadlines for the completion of small amounts of work. It is your responsibility to ensure you complete all activities and assessments at the appropriate time.

	Activity	Online Meeting	Assessment
Module 1: Rebecca Bull. Overview and Introduction to Research Approaches
Week 1 (w.b. 22nd Feb)	Read unit guide Introduce yourself Listen to module 1 presentations
Week 2 (w.b. 1st March)	Complete allocated reading Identify your research topic Submit brief details of your research topic to discussion forum	Wed 3rd March 7-9pm, Zoom Questions about unit. Questions about module 1 content. Break out groups themed by research topic.	No assessment
Module 2: Garry Falloon. Qualitative Research – Narrative Inquiry and Case Studies
Week 3 (w.b. 8th March)	Read the indicated sections of the course text and Stake’s chapter as indicated in ‘Module 2 structure’ on iLearn Review Module 2 study guide sections 1 & 2 and related video lectures Record notes on above to assist in discussion of study guide section 1 & 2 questions during the online meeting
Week 4 (w.b. 15th March)	Review study guide section 3 and video lecture Make one posting and one response to another’s posting in each of the Module 2 Discussion forums on iLearn Prepare and submit the assessment task	Wed 17 March, 7-9pm, Zoom Structured discussion of readings and lectures followed by group activity using study guide questions to frame up an assessment task response.	Due Saturday 20th March @ 11.55pm (15%)
Module 3: Neil Harrison. Qualitative Research – Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory
Week 5 (w.b. 22nd March)	Your reading and thinking about phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory should all take place this week. Listen to 3 module presentations Complete the readings
Week 6 (w.b. 29th March)	All your writing for the assessment task should take place in this week.	Monday 29 March 7-9pm, Zoom You will need to have read the paper from Harrison, Burke and Clarke (2020). Risky teaching (see module 3). This will be discussed in relation to the assessment task	Due Saturday 3rd April @ 11.55pm (15%)
Module 4: Rebecca Bull. Quantitative Research – Strong Experimental Design and Randomised Controlled Trials
Week 7 (w.b. 19th April)	Listen to presentations Complete assigned reading Read about the assessment for this module; look at research articles for assessment and select one
Week 8 (w.b. 26th April)	Listen to research presentations Test your understanding with the MCQ Read the practice paper for Module 4 assessment (for discussion at meeting)	Wednesday 28th April 7-9pm: Break out groups – discussion of practice paper Questions about module content Questions about assessment	Due Saturday 1st May @ 11.55pm (15%) Short answer questions
Module 5: Rauno Parrila. Quantitative Research – Quasi-experimental and Single Case Study Designs.
Week 9 (w.b. 3rd May)	Complete assigned readings Post five questions about the readings Post five answers to questions Post quasi-experimental study description	Wednesday 5th May 7-8pm Quasi-experimental study designs and examples	Due: Wednesday 5th @ 11.55pm Five questions Saturday 8th @ 11.55pm Five answers Study description
Week 10 (w.b. 10th May)	Complete assigned reading Post questions about the readings Post your answers to questions Post your single-case study description	Wednesday 12th May 7-8pm Single case study designs and examples	Wednesday 12th @ 11.55pm Five questions Saturday 15th @ 11.55pm Five answers Study description
Module 6: Philip Li. Non-experimental Designs and Mixed Methods Approach
Week 11 (w.b. 17th May)	Listen to pre-recorded lecture on ECHO 360 Complete recommended reading Participate in Forum Discussion and Self-exam
Week 12 (w.b. 24th May)	Prepare and submit the assessment task	Wednesday 26th May 7-9pm Questions about Module 6 Revisit of the content	Due Saturday 29th May @11.55pm (15%)
Final Review: Rebecca Bull
Week 13 (w.b. 31st May)	Complete Research Plan	Wednesday 2nd June 7-8pm Questions about Research Plan Feedback on Unit	Due Saturday 5th June @ 11.55pm (25%)