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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2014 - 2015

Module Title Dissertation
Module Code ES511
School School of Education Studies

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Margaret FarrenOffice NumberC145a
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 30
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Participant will have the opportunity to engage, in some depth, with an issue of professional or intellectual interest. In carrying out the dissertation research, participants will have the opportunity to read extensively, but with focus, and to develop new understandings in a particular area.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a research question.
2. Choose an appropriate methodology relevant to the research topic.
3. Produce research that evaluates and synthesises materials drawn from a range of sources.
4. Collect data using appropriate research methods
5. Carry out analysis and draw conclusions from the research
6. Where appropriate, present the application of findings and arguments in a reflective manner to the improvement of educational practice.
7. Demonstate originality through the exercise of independent critical and creative thinking.
8. Communicate the research using appropriate forms of representation
9. Present dissertation research to peer group and tutors, makings use of appropriate forms of presentation and skills of communication.
10. Evaluate own performance against listed assessment criteria for the dissertation.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial12supervision
Seminars6workshop sessions during dissertation
Independent Study2library workshop
Group work12study groups meet during dissertation
Independent Study155own research work
Total Workload: 187

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

Research.
Research question. Carrying out research using appropriate methodology and methods.

Time Management.
Working to timelines. Working with supervisor.

Literature Review.
Carrying out a literature review.

Writing up research.
Organisation. Structure. Ethics. Presentation of writing.

Presentation of research.
Oral presentation of research. Self-assessment.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Burton, N. et al.: 2008, Doing your Education Research Project, Sage Publications,
  • Cohen, L.: 2007, Research Methods in Education, Routledge,
  • Creswell, J.: 2008, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches,
  • Denscombe, M: 2010, The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects, Open University Press,
  • Dadds, M. and Hart, S.: 2001, Doing Practitioner Research Differently, Routledge,
  • Farren, M., Whitehead, J. & Bognar, B.: 2011, Action Research in the Educational Workplace, 1st, Academica Press, USA,
  • McNiff, J. and Whitehead. J: 2006, All you Need to Know about Action Research, Sage.,
  • Whitehead, J. & McNiff, J.: 2006, Action Research: Living Theory, Sage Publications,
  • Ridley, D.: 2008, The Literature Review, Sage.,
  • Newby, Peter: 2009, Research Methods for Education, Longman,
  • Quinlan, C.: 2011, Business Research Methods, 1st, Cengage Learning EMEA,
  • Wolcott, H.: 2008, Ethnography: A Way of Seeing, AltaMira Press,
  • Yin, R: 2008, Case Study Research, Sage.,
  • Wolcott, H: 2009, Writing Up Qualitative Research, Sage Publications,
  • Somekh, B.: 2005, Action Research: a methodology for change and development (Doing Qualitative Research in Educational Settings), Open University Press,
Other Resources

None
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