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.