Postgraduate Module Descriptor

EFPM329: Preparing for TESOL Inquiry and Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are:

  • To understand the purpose and uses of TESOL research in relations to theory development, policy formation and professional practice;
  • To critically examine the available paradigms and modes of educational enquiry with a view to a research enquiry;
  • To design an appropriate enquiry and select suitable methods for the enquiry and justify these in theoretical terms;
  • To carry out a small scale enquiry within TESOL field at Master’s level;
  • To interpret evidence and discuss its relevance to existing enquiry; and
  • To develop a critical understanding of the ethical issues associated with educational enquiry.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront TESOL research and practice;
2. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research;
3. demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in language teaching and learning, and related fields;
4. demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in TESOL; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. demonstrate awareness and ability to manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and work pro-actively with others to formulate solutions;
6. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques/ methodologies applicable to their own work
Personal and Key Skills7. demonstrate an ability to undertake research tasks competently with minimum guidance;
8. demonstrate the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound
9. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act
10. take responsibility for the direction and management of the research and its resolution.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

Baumfield, V., Hall, E. and Wall, K. (2008) Action Research in the Classroom. London: Sage.

Bitchener, J. (2010) Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Burns, A. (2010) Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching. Abingdon: Routledge

Dornyei, Z. (2007) Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Dornyei, Z. (2010) Questionnaires in second language research. OUP

Gillham, B. (2000) Developing a Questionnaire. London: Continuum.

Gillham, B. (2000) The Research Interview. London: Continuum.

Gillham, B.(2008) Observation Techniques. London: Continuum

Grix, J. (2004) The Foundations of Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Heigham, J. and Croker, R. (2009) Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

McKay, S. (2006) Researching Second Language Classrooms. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Richards, K. (2003) Qualitative Enquiry in TESOL. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Richards, K., Ross, S. & Seedhouse, P. (2012). Research Methods for Applied Language Studies. Routledge.

Silverman, D. (2010). Doing Qualitative Research (3rd ed). London: Sage.

Yin, R. (2009). Case Study Research. Sage. London: Sage.

 

There are also other general research methods books such as:

Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2000) Research Methods in Education (5th edition). London: Routledge.

Hammersley, M. (2002). Educational Research: Policy Making and Practice. London: Paul Chapman.

Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Thomas, G. (2009) How To Do Your Research Project, Sage, London

Wellington, J. (2000) Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical Approaches. London: Continuum.