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ED50492: Research methods for second language education 1

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Education
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: The aims of this unit are:
* To analyse key approaches to research in second language education
* To analyse the key research traditions and methods used in second language education research
* To critically review written accounts of second language research conducted by others
* To analyse issues relating to the quality of second language research
* To consider ethical issues in second language research.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
* Understand the distinction between different research approaches available for second language education research
* Distinguish, describe and critically analyse the key research traditions and research methods used in second language education research
* Critically review written accounts of second language research conducted by others
* Analyse issues relating to the quality of second language research
* Understand ethical issues in second language research.

Skills: Self-directed learning (F).
Problem analysis, research and reflection (T/F/A).
Independent working (F).
Problem-solving (T/F/A).
Oral communication (F).
Written communication (F/A).
Ability to identify and discuss aspects of second language research (T/F/A).
Ability to articulate the implications of applying techniques of second language research in a specific pedagogical context (T/F/A).
Key Skills
1. Make critical use of the literature of the field of Education (T/F/A).
2. Make critical use of professional experience in the field of Education (T/F/A).
3. Analyse, interpret and critique findings and arguments (T/F/A).
4. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems (T/F).
5. Evaluate research and variety of types of information and evidence critically, also making informed judgements in the absence of complete data (T/F/A).
6. Contribute to professional debate in the field of education (F).
7. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level (F).
8. Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences (T/F).
9. Evaluate their own academic and professional performance (T/F/A).
10. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands (F).
11. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress (F).
12. Develop new or higher level skill, for example in information technology (T/F/A).

Content:
* Research approaches and methods in second language education
* Observation, interviewing and narrative inquiry in second language research
* Survey research in second language education
* Case study research in second language education
* Action research in second language education
* Critical analysis of written accounts of second language research conducted by others
* Quality criteria in second language education research
* Ethics in second language education research.

Programme availability:

ED50492 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • THED-AFM27 : MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.