Module: Literacy Research Methods

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Literacy Research Methods
Module Code	EDU1039 (ITS: EC915)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Language, Literacy & ECE
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module introduces students to the knowledge and skills needed to interrogate and apply research methods in the context of literacy education. The module will also support students to develop a critical stance to the interpretation of the literacy research literature and related scholarly writing. Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts underpinning research methods (e.g. epistemology, ontology) as well as the application of these concepts in varying methodological frameworks (e.g. randomised controlled trials, action research, self-study, design-based research). A particular focus will be placed on developing a research project proposal that meets high ethical and methodological standards.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E5B22AA-46FB-0001-1570-404F17296230
2. Appreciate the importance of drawing on a variety of research methodologies and traditions to inform theory, practice and policy in literacy education
4. 6,11,9
5. 1
6. 1E5B22AA-4C02-0001-80F7-16879A409460
7. Identify, locate and synthesise a wide variety of research-based sources for literacy education (e.g. journals, handbooks, grey literature)
9. 8,10
10. 2
11. 1E5B22AA-52F9-0001-15E8-15B08D561006
12. Critically analyse the literature on literacy education, drawing on quality indicators for different forms of research
14. 6,11
15. 3
16. 1E5B22AA-5A79-0001-BB5B-423D199BC540
17. Draw on high quality research methods to interrogate an issue of personal/professional relevance
19. 8,21
20. 4
21. 1E5B22AA-617E-0001-8C99-1D91136986C0
22. Identify and address ethical considerations relating to literacy research
24. 8,21,9
25. 5
26. 1E5B22AA-6980-0001-5EBE-2A3A1D306590
27. Choose appropriate data analysis procedures for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods data
29. 6,8
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Total Workload: 20

Section Breakdown
CRN	10442	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Patrick Burke	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Key concepts for research
Students will develop an understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for understanding research methodology (e.g. epistemology, ontology, axiology, validity/trustworthiness, reliability, generalisability/transferability, causation) and associated ethical considerations (e.g. beneficence, informed consent).

Research Approaches
An introduction to different overarching methodologies (qualitative/quantitative/mixed), research approaches (e.g. randomised controlled trials, self-study, action research, design-based research, desk-based research) and research tools/instruments (e.g. interviews, questionnaires, think aloud tasks) as applied to literacy education; review quality indicators for different approaches.

Data Analysis
The process of systematically analysing qualitative data using a given framework (e.g. reflexive thematic analysis); basic introduction to descriptive/inferential statistics and their applications; techniques for displaying data.

Academic Writing and Research Skills
How to find and filter high quality literature using library/database tools; conducting a literature review; writing an argument in a scholarly fashion, drawing on appropriate academic conventions.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Mallette, M.H. & Duke, N.K.: 2020, Literacy Research Methodologies, 3rd edition, Guilford,
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K: 2018, Research Methods in Education, 8th edition, Routledge,
Reinking, D., & Bradley, B. A: 2008, On formative and design experiments: approaches to language and literacy research, Teachers College Press,
McNiff, J.: 2013, Action Research: Principles and Practices, Taylor and Francis,

Articles:

Duke, N.K. & Martin, N.L: 2011, 10 things every literacy educator should know about research, The Reading Teacher, 65(1), 9,

Other Resources

None