ADP7219

Module Title: Action (Practitioner) Research Project (ADP7219 – distance learning)

Convener: Dr Ana Cabral

Programme: This is the fourth compulsory module for PGCAP

Delivery mode: The module is available in distance learning form only.  It is taught in mixed disciplinary groups and is delivered largely asynchronously with a focus on individual work on research project proposals, with peer and tutor feedback throughout the design process.

Credits: 15 (Level 7)

Module Description:

Teaching for this module is delivered asynchronously and covers principles, design, methods of action research. Participants develop their own action research proposal incrementally across the duration of the module.  There are opportunities to give and receive peer feedback, and to have drop in sessions with the tutor to discuss the development of the project.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this module participants should be able to

Academic content: 

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles, methodologies and approaches to conducting research and scholarship as part of their academic practice, including on their teaching and/or supporting learning  
• Demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms and implications of quality assurance and enhancement for academic practice  
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles and methods of evaluating the outcomes of teaching and / or supporting learning
• Demonstrate understanding of effective approaches to assessment, feedback, teaching and learning methods, face to face or online, within their disciplinary context

Disciplinary skills: 

• Use evidence from educational research and scholarship, subject research, reflection and evaluation, to continually assess needs, develop and enhance their practice of teaching and/or supporting learning

Attributes: 

• Demonstrate an enquiring and collaborative attitude to education practice, evidenced through e.g. engaging critically with the evidence from evaluation and reflection on the effectiveness of the approaches and resources used in practice
• Acknowledge the wider context in which Higher Education operates recognising the implications for professional practice
• Develop a learner-centred approach to action research, considering diversity of learners and established guidelines for accessibility and inclusivity.

Assessment:

Formative assessment includes:

Peer and tutor feedback on research proposals prior to submission of research proposal for summative tutor assessment.  Peer and tutor evaluation and feedback on progress of action research plan 

Summative assessment:

Assignment 1 - Research Proposal for Action Research - 20% weighting 

A 500-word research proposal for action research on an element of academic practice: public engagement, research and teaching linkages or innovations in teaching or assessment. To be accompanied by an annotated bibliography containing max. 10 sources.

Assignment 2 – Research Design Report - 80% weighting 

The report should incl. literature review, methodology, rationale, results from a test trial (if possible), and discussion. 

The submitted research design must correspond to the research proposal submitted in Assignment 2.