Module EFPM329 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
EFPM329: Preparing for TESOL Inquiry and Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. 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 Skills | 5. 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 Skills | 7. 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:. construction, administration, and processing: 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. (2014). Case Study Research. Sage. London: Sage.
There are also other general research methods books such as:
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018) Research Methods in Education. London: Routledge.
Hammersley, M. (2002). Educational Research: Policy Making and Practice. London: Paul Chapman.
Robson, C. & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research: a resource for users of social research methods in applied settings. Hoboken: Wiley.
Thomas, G. (2013) How to do a research project. London: Sage Publications. Available at http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2640416?lang=eng
Wellington, J. (2015) Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical Approaches. London: Continuum.