Educational Research Methods (EDUC 3026, UNM) - Lecture 1

What are the three overall goals of the module?

• Increase understanding of educational research concepts

• Develop appreciation of research importance in TESOL/education

• Develop skills in preparing a research proposal for a TESOL topic

• To learn how to apply research in the TESOL classroom

Answer explanation

While you are applying research knowledge to conduct a research project, applying research knowledge to the classroom is not an assessed goal of this module.

What is the single overall outcome of the Educational Research Methods module?

• A research proposal that includes introduction, literature review, methodology sections

• A presentation on research methods

• A literature review

What is required for the research proposal?

• An approved ethics form

• A literature review

• The findings of my research

• A methodology section

Answer explanation

Nope, you should not yet have collected data when submitting your proposal. That comes after!

What does ethics approval allow you to do?

• Start collecting data

• Submit your proposal

• Present your findings

What is the importance of a critical literature review? Choose as many that apply

• It provides supporting evidence/justification for your study

• It ensures that you have the necessary understanding of prior research, its findings and their strengths and weaknesses

• It identifies gaps in research so that you can formulate your research problem and questions

• It is necessary to obtain funding for your research

What should you consider when preparing for supervision? Choose one.

• Specific questions to discuss, or problems that you are encountering

• Your supervisor's favourite food

Answer explanation

Incidentally, it's nasi kandar and Malaccan chicken rice balls!

According to Stenhouse (1975), research is defined as...

• Systemic enquiry known to many

• Systematic inquiry made public

• Careful planning to answer important social questions

• Inquiry that is based on previous literature and established research methodology

Answer explanation

The options are synonymous, but Stenhouse's definition is the most concise.

Why is it important to Stenhouse that research is 'made public'? Choose as many that apply.

• Research is done as part of community, and should be cumulative.

• This ensures that research is open for criticism, thus strengthening its quality.

• It is because research is always funded publicly; hence it should be made public.

• Public research is necessary to raise the profile and prestige of researchers.

Answer explanation

You may make an argument for all four, but at least in the context of Lecture 1, only these two options are accurate.

Which of the following are examples of Ruthven's (2005) functions of educational research? Choose as many that apply.

• Semantic function

• Symbolic function

• Practical function

• Pragmatic function

Which of the following describes Ruthven's (2005) definition of the heuristic function?

• Research can be used to help people re-interpret their practice, see new meanings and possibilities.

• Research can help minimise the trial-and-error that is involved in effective practice, thereby shortening practitioners' learning time.

• Research can assist in the production of educationally-beneficial artefacts, i.e. products and concepts that can shape practice.

Answer explanation

The clue is in the meaning of the word 'heuristic'