Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description In the context of the increased importance of teacher and school based research, student teachers will design, implement and evaluate a significant piece of research related to their school placement and practice. In order to do so students will draw on the key components involved in their areas of study by critically examining theories and practices concerned with reflective practice, self-evaluation, self study and practioner research. This will lead them to be able to choose and defend a conceptual research approach. They will then design a research project that will include a research philosophy, instrument development and testing, data collection and analysis, literature review, ethical design and plan for dissemination. They will conduct a piece of research in collaboration with DCU staff but most importantly the school communities in which they are based. These will include – but not be limited to- critical engagements with colleagues such as cooperating teachers and subject department members as well as school leaders and the broad student population where appropriate. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. 1DBC4C5A-4F50-0001-9298-56AD1AD01015 2. • Analyse, interpret and explain the importance attached to teacher and school based research 5. 1 6. 1DBC4C5A-58A9-0001-88F5-1FB0D8A71E98 7. • Consult and collaborate with their school communities in identifying key research needs 10. 2 11. 1DBC4C5A-5BBE-0001-60F5-191057DA2EE0 12. • Collaborate with colleagues in designing a research question 15. 3 16. 1DBC4C5A-5F10-0001-E341-17F018581935 17. • Place the research question within an appropriate conceptual framework 20. 4 21. 1DBC4C5A-605A-0001-7CDE-C6C715911EF9 22. • Critically analyse and interpret the literature pertinent to the chosen topic 25. 5 26. 1DBC4C5A-65C0-0001-F09D-AF322A46DEA0 27. • Develop and pilot appropriate research instruments 30. 6 31. 1DBC4C5A-68CC-0001-5526-FC89E07B96D0 32. • Collect data using appropriate research methods 35. 7 36. 1DBC4C5A-6A7A-0001-2162-C7B0142E1049 37. • Carry out data analysis and elaborate defensible conclusions from the research 40. 8 41. 1DBC4C5A-6C5C-0001-B46E-C150A4B0CAD0 42. • Present their findings and arguments in a manner that shows reflective thinking to their peers both in class and in the school community 45. 9 46. 1DBC4C5A-7248-0001-60E8-11DFA771FB80 47. • Based on the work done critically evaluate the reality of conducing school based research and the potential importance of such research in quality assurance, school improvement and teacher professional development 50. 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Contextual analysis of changing policies in school based teacher led research Developing a research question in a collaborative mode with peers and colleagues Research design from rationale to conclusion including literature review and the vital importance of ethical considerations Drawing conclusions and integrating these into personal, professional and school development Communicating results to the school community in an appropriate format Evaluation of the process | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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