EDU9601 Preliminary Research and Pilot Study

EDU	9601	78926	2, 2008	WEB	Preliminary Research and Pilot Study	2.00	Toowoomba
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOEDU
Academic org:	FOE002
Student contribution band:	National Priority Teaching
ASCED code:	070303

Staffing
Other requisites
Rationale
Synopsis
Objectives
Topics
Reference materials
Student workload
Assessment details
Important assessment information
Assessment notes
Other requirements
Production date
PDF version

STAFFING

Examiner: Patrick Danaher
Moderator: Jon Austin

OTHER REQUISITES

State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland are required to possess a current suitability card (Blue Card). (See "Other Requirements" for further information.) Also see: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html

RATIONALE

This course is the second of two research and evaluation courses that are offered within the Doctor of Education program in the Faculty of Education. It links directly to the first course in which students gain advanced knowledge and skills in research/evaluation applicable to their topic and field of study and in which they prepare a preliminary research/evaluation proposal. It is in this second course that students put their research skills into practice by implementing their preliminary research/evaluation and pilot study proposal. At this stage students are expected to have a clear purpose for the conduct of pilot work in rleation to their major research study for their dissertation or folio. The pilot work is not expected to be a major undertaking but should inform some aspect of the future study e.g. development and trial of a data collection instrument. Understanding research and evaluation in an educational context requires the development of skills in design, choice of method, data collection, analysis and interpretation, as well as the development of analytical skills required for assessing existing research and evaluation reports. By being involved in the processes applicable to their specific research field, students will further develop their understanding of the complexities related to their particular educational situation whether it be in relation to experimental research, case study, grounded theory, phenomenology, curriculum evaluation or other research methods.

SYNOPSIS

The major goal of this course is for students to carry out preliminary research and pilot study that will inform in some way their subsequent proposal for their major research in the Doctor of Education program. It follows on from the previous course EDU8603 "Research Methods and Critical Inquiry" in which students gain advanced knowledge and skills in research/evaluation applicable to their topic and field of study and in which they prepare a preliminary research proposal for a pilot study. This pilot work serves a dual purpose. Firstly it allows students to put their research skills into practice by implementing a pilot study. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for them to develop or investigate a specific aspect of their major research study prior to their writing of their research proposal proper and the conduct of their proposal defence. This pilot work may involve such activities as the development and trial of a data collection instrument, the conduct of preliminary interviews or observations, or other exploratory data collection and analysis. Students are allocted an advisor but may also participate in collaborative problem-solving research groupings of students and staff during the course. The course will promote and apply the skills required for proposing, conducting and reporting research in education.

OBJECTIVES

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

the principles and logic of inquiry into education; (Research project)
the relationship between philosophy/epistemology and educational research; (Research project)
contemporary ideas about educational research; (Research project)
the differences between humanistic, scientific/analytical and critical research methods; (Research project)
the requirements of different research methodologies by selecting appropriate research approaches to perform required analyses; (Research project)
the skills needed to conduct research into a chosen topic using a preferred research method; (Research project)
the methodological problems posed by the gap between research and practice in education. (Research project)
demonstrate competence in written language and scholarly writing, including correct spelling, grammer, and bibliographic referencing (Research project).

TOPICS

	Description	Weighting (%)
1.	Practical application of educational research	40.00
2.	Pilot research study	60.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Students will select readings that are appropriate for their research requirements. These readings are published in the two books of readings that accompany this course.

Whether you are on, or off campus, the USQ Library is an excellent source of information http://www.usq.edu.au/library/ . The gateway to education resources is here... http://www.usq.edu.au/library/faculties/education/default.htm

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Assessment	70.00
Directed Study	50.00
Private Study	210.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description		Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date	Notes
RESEARCH PROJECT		999.00	100.00	31 Oct 2008	(see note 1)

NOTES

1.: An ungraded pass is the only grade available for this course. All students who are qualified for an ungraded pass grade will be given a grade of P. Other students will be given either a Failing grade (F) or an Incomplete (IDM).

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available or at least a grade of C- for each assessment item.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit required assignments late without the approval of the Examiner, they can expect to be given a Fail grade for the course.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for each item.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
An ungraded pass is the only grade available for this course. All students who are qualified for an ungraded pass grade will be given a grade of P. Other students will be given either a Failing grade (F) or an Incomplete (IDM).
Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Not applicable.
University Regulations:
Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

1.	The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the examiner.
2.	Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of request being made by the examiner. The student must retain this copy until the grade for this course has been finalised.
3.	In accordance with the University's assignment extension policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
4.	The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
5.	The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
6.	Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
7.	In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, the due date for the assignment will be the next working day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the examiner's convenience.
8.	Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete - Make up). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study.
10.	Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination); IDM (Incomplete - Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
11.	When there is more than one marker for a single item of assessment, the distributed patterns and means for the different markers will be compared and marks adjusted if necessary.
12.	Marking criteria are provided in course material as mark sheets/guides or as part of assignment specifications.
13.	Each assessment item must be submitted and passed.
14.	Summative assessment items will receive a grade of P, F or IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up). Any ungraded assessment requirement will receive a Pass, Fail or Incomplete.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the examiner.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc..) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html. *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the state of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

This version produced 27 May 2008.