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ED50493: Research methods for second language education 2

[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 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Audio-recorded Poster Presentation (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: The aims of this unit are to enable students:
* To identify a research question for a small-scale research project in the field of second language education.
* To identify a research approach, design and methodology for that project.
* To develop a proposal and outline protocol for that project.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit students will be able to:
* Identify a research area relevant to a second language context with which they are familiar
* Conduct a critical review of the literature which underpins their research area and their research question
* Formulate a research question that is appropriate for second language education research
* Identify the key stages in planning a small-scale research project in the field of second language education
* Determine the appropriate sampling approach, data collection methods and data analysis procedures to use in a specific context
* Critically analyse issues of quality in their proposed project
* Critically analyse ethical considerations in relation to their proposed project
* Present their developing research ideas to peers.

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:
* Formulating research questions for second language education research
* Designing research in second language education (incl. sampling, negotiation of relationships, analysis)
* Researching L2 learners and learning in second language education
* Researching L2 teachers and teaching in second language education
* Researching language and culture (incl. linguistic ethnography, analysis of cultural artefacts, discourse analysis).

Programme availability:

ED50493 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.