Studying at York
Research Methods in Language Education 1: Researching Questions - EDU00119M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
- To prepare students to consider the contexts for research in Language Education;
- To develop knowledge and understanding of the essentials of research in the field of Language Education, including formulating research questions, literature searching and reviewing, and quantitative and qualitative research design;
- To familiarise students with a range of research methods and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to conduct independent research on language educational topics.
- To familiarise students with how to read research literature and reports in the field of Language Education with critical analysis, understanding, and insight to assess the strengths and weaknesses of such research.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Develop a good knowledge and understanding of educational research processes, including research questions, designs, methods, and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques;
- Be familiar with commonly-used instruments in educational research, including questionnaires, interview schedules, observation schedules, and experimental designs;
- Be able to evaluate the appropriateness of methods and analytical techniques for different research topics and questions;
- Critically describe the strengths and limitations of different data collection methods and analysis Techniques;
- Develop a clear understanding of the characteristics of scientifically rigorous educational research.
Academic and graduate skills
At the end of the module, students will have learned how to be able to:
- Critically evaluate academic arguments as presented in the research literature and reports using a range of methods and techniques;
- Manage a range of sources and critically assess the reliability and validity in informing and supporting academic argumentation.
Module content
Module outline
The module consists of eleven lectures and seminars. Teaching and learning
activities will include presentations by the tutor, small group discussions and practical
activities (individual and group).
Week 1 Introduction to the module and learning community
Week 2 Introduction to `research’, key concepts and paradigms
Week 3 Research processes: from research questions to research designs
Week 4 How do we research behaviour? Observational studies
Week 5 How do we research opinions and experiences? Interviews
Week 6 How do we research attitudes and perceptions? Questionnaire design
Week 7 Language learning-specific methods of data collection
Week 8 Experimental designs
Week 9 What makes research rigorous?
Week 10 How do we critically read research articles?
Week 11 Feedback on the mock exam
Preparing for the summative exam
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Open Examination | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Open Examination | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback on the mock exam is provided in Week 11 to help prepare for the summative exam.
Indicative reading
Bryman, A. (2015). Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 5th Edition
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morisson, K. (2007). Research methods in Education. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. [Available as an e-book]
Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical thinking skills. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
De Brun, C. (2013). Searching skills toolkit: Finding the evidence. Oxford: BMJ Books.
Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Wray, A. (2012). Projects in linguistics: A practical guide to researching language. London: Hodder Arnold. [Available as an e-book]