EDUC 5002G - Research Methods in Education

This course is a general introduction to educational research methods. The epistemological assumptions about the nature of knowledge and the relationship between theory and evidence are extensively examined across a broad range of approaches to research. Students consider the types of questions that can be answered through research as well as the practical and ethical questions that arise in educational research. A central goal of the course is to instil a culture of disciplined inquiry for modern teaching professionals. As graduate students, they become critical readers and consumers of research. There is, in addition, a praxis element to this course, as participants are encouraged to build capacity for engaging in research-driven practice. Technology has a significant role to play in the research process, but caution must be observed with respect to the ethics of collection of information. The importance of computer software packages for both quantitative and qualitative analysis is also introduced. This course is required of all students.
Credit hours: 3