Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Rebecca Bull r.bull@mq.edu.au Rod Lane rod.lane@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MEd or GradCertEdS or MEdLead or MHEd or PGDipHEd or PGCertHEd or GradCertHEd or MEChild or GradCertEChild or MTeach(Birth to Five Years) or GradCertClinEdSim or MIndigenousEd or GradDipIndigenousEd or GradDipChildLit or MChildLit or MDisabilityStud
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description By completing a series of modules, students extend their understanding of the research methods used to explore contemporary issues in a variety of education settings. Students are supported in their learning through guided reading and a series of face to face workshops. For those students who are unable to attend, 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:

can explore the literature relating to particular aspects of their professional practice
can identify critical issues which warrant further investigation
can generate researchable questions
can design rigorous and ethical studies, employing one or more methodologies, so as assemble evidence in relation to these issues
understands the limitations of this evidence
can effectively communicate the research and its results to the intended audience
understands how research evidence contributes to knowledge about education policy and practice
understands how to access existing stores of knowledge
understands the nature and characteristics of the various research methodologies that are typically employed in educational research
understands the methods of recruiting participants that can be employed by these methodologies
understands the data collection and analysis techniques that can be employed by these methodologies
understands aspects of design which provide rigor to the research process
understands the ethical principles which shape and guide the research process

General Assessment Information

Word Limits

There are no set word limits on any task.

Task Submission

Students are required to submit all assessment tasks via the appropriate Turnitin link on the unit's ilearn site by the advertised due date, unless an extension has been approved. Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time. 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. Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing.

Return of Grades

Grades for each task will be released approximately two weeks after the submission date, with detailed feedback emailed to you at your @students.mq.edu.au email address. An ilearn announcement will be made when your grades and feedback are available.

Requesting a remark 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: Failed assessments can not be re-submitted as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

Confidentiality

Students must respect the need for sensitivity and confidentially and ensure that privacy obligations are met. There should be nothing in assessment submissions that identifies a centre or school. Use only the first name for children, families and staff. Do not record details that enable identification of the site, and of the adults or children.

Extensions and Late Penalties

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ at https://ask.mq.edu.au as a Special Consideration 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 Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://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, see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

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.

No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. 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.

Special Considerations

The following link takes you to the Special Considerations policy, which makes clear the ways in which you can apply for special consideration in times of difficulty.

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

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.

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

Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

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.

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.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Task 1	20%	No	20 August
Task 2	20%	No	10 September
Task 3	20%	No	1 October
Task 4	20%	No	22 October
Task 5	20%	No	9 November

Task 1

Due: 20 August
Weighting: 20%

This task enables students to develop ways of describing and classifying forms of educational research.

On successful completion you will be able to:

can explore the literature relating to particular aspects of their professional practice
can identify critical issues which warrant further investigation
understands how research evidence contributes to knowledge about education policy and practice
understands how to access existing stores of knowledge
understands the nature and characteristics of the various research methodologies that are typically employed in educational research
understands the ethical principles which shape and guide the research process

Task 2

Due: 10 September
Weighting: 20%

This task introduces critical concepts in educational research that enables students to interpret and produce research designs which address critical issues in particular educational contexts.

On successful completion you will be able to:

understands the methods of recruiting participants that can be employed by these methodologies
understands the data collection and analysis techniques that can be employed by these methodologies
understands aspects of design which provide rigor to the research process

Task 3

Due: 1 October
Weighting: 20%

This task enables student to explore the application of qualiative research methodologies to problems asssociated with their own professional practice.

On successful completion you will be able to:

can explore the literature relating to particular aspects of their professional practice
can identify critical issues which warrant further investigation
can generate researchable questions
can design rigorous and ethical studies, employing one or more methodologies, so as assemble evidence in relation to these issues
understands the limitations of this evidence
can effectively communicate the research and its results to the intended audience

Task 4

Due: 22 October
Weighting: 20%

This task enables student to explore the application of non-experimental research methodologies to problems asssociated with their own professional practice.

On successful completion you will be able to:

can explore the literature relating to particular aspects of their professional practice
can identify critical issues which warrant further investigation
can generate researchable questions
can design rigorous and ethical studies, employing one or more methodologies, so as assemble evidence in relation to these issues
understands the limitations of this evidence
can effectively communicate the research and its results to the intended audience

Task 5

Due: 9 November
Weighting: 20%

This task enables student to explore the application of experimental and quasi-experimental research methodologies to problems asssociated with their own professional practice.

On successful completion you will be able to:

can explore the literature relating to particular aspects of their professional practice
can identify critical issues which warrant further investigation
can generate researchable questions
can design rigorous and ethical studies, employing one or more methodologies, so as assemble evidence in relation to these issues
understands the limitations of this evidence
can effectively communicate the research and its results to the intended audience

Delivery and Resources

Electronic Communication

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

Official MQ Student Email Address
The Dialogue function on iLearn
Other iLearn communication functions

Unit Expectations

In order to satisfactorily complete this unit, students are required to use the text and other resources (eg, readings, workshop podcasts, etc) to complete the five assessment tasks and submit them by their respective submission dates (NB unless an extension has been arranged). Each of these assessment tasks is worth 20% of the final grade for the unit.There are no word limits on any assessment task.

Note: It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments. If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor.

Attendance at workshops

There are two workshops scheduled for each module. The first is a face to face session in which the content of the module will be reviewed and the assessment tasks discussed. Attendance is recommended but not compulsory.These sessions will be recorded and distributed via the unit’s ilearn site for those who do not attend (ie Podcast). The second workshop is a pre-recorded session (ie Podcast only) in which educational researchers discuss their work. Please see the Unit Schedule (below) for details of these workshops.

Textbook

All required readings, other than those in the text, can be downloaded directly from within each module on the unit's ilearn site (NB to read them you will need Adobe Acrobat installed).

Any one of the following three editions of the text can be used, however, they may take some time to arrive:

Johnson, B., and Christensen, L. (2012). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approaches. (4th Edition). Thousand Oaks California: Sage
Johnson, B., and Christensen, L. (2014). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approaches. (5th Edition). Thousand Oaks California: Sage.
Johnson, B., and Christensen, L. (2017). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approaches. (6th Edition). Thousand Oaks California: Sage.

The e-textbook version of the 6^th edition is cheaper, and can be downloaded immediately from:

https://www.amazon.com.au/d/Educational-Research-Quantitative-Qualitative-Approaches-ebook/B01M66TJSE/ref=sr_1_1/355-9831673-0112403?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1501207964&sr=1-1&keywords=Educational+Research%3A+Qualitative%2C+Quantitative+and+Mixed+Approaches

Withdrawing from this PG Unit

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

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/

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 enquiry service

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

Equity 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.

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.

Unit Schedule

Week	Week Begins	Workshops	Module – Assessment task due date
1	30 July	Workshop 1 – Monday 30 July 5-7pm 4 Western Rd - 210 (W5C 210)/Podcast Greg Robertson	Module 1 Introduction to research Task 1 – due Monday 20 August
2	6 August	Workshop 2 – Podcast only John Elias and Jane Van Balen
3	13 August	No workshop
4	20 August	Workshop 3 – Monday 20 August 5-7pm 4 Western Rd - 210 (W5C 210)/Podcast Greg Robertson	Module 2 Foundation concepts Task 2 – Monday 10 September
5	27 August	Workshop 4 - Podcast only Alma Fleet and George Cooney
6	3 September	No workshop
7	10 September	Workshop 5 – Monday 10 September 5-7pm 4 Western Rd - 210 (W5C 210)/Podcast Greg Robertson	Module 3 Qualitative approaches Task 3 – Monday 1 October
8 *	17 September	Workshop 6 - Podcast only Ian Gibson
9 *	24 September	No workshop
10	1 October	Workshop 7 – Podcast only due to public holiday Greg Robertson	Module 4 Nonexperimental Quantitative and Mixed Designs Task 4 – due Monday 22 October
11	8 October	Workshop 8 - Podcast only Jennifer Bowes and John Hedberg
12	15 October	No workshop
13	22 October	Workshop 9 – Monday 22 October 5-7pm 4 Western Rd - 210 (W5C 210)/Podcast Greg Robertson	Module 5 Experimental, Quasi-Experimental and Single Case Designs Task 5 – due Friday 9 November
14	29 November	Workshop 10 - Podcast only Mike Mitchelmore and Joanne Mulligan
15	5 November	No workshop

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:

Academic Appeals Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Progression Policy
Assessment Policy
Fitness to Practice Procedure
Grade Appeal Policy
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)

Undergraduate 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 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 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

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 - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.