UNIT 06: RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Unit Reference Number: M/61 7/5003
Assignment Title: Research Proposal
Scenario:
For this assignment you are required to write a research proposal for one area within your own education setting that requires further understanding. The subject will need to allow for the analysis of existing data in order to inform your own research proposal. You will fully explain your hypothesis, justified research methods and appropriate approach for data collection and analysis. You will present your proposal with a reference list and bibliography to support your intentions.
Task 1 – (LO1, AC 1.1 and 1.2. LO2, AC 2.1 and 2.2. LO3, AC 3.1 and 3.3).
·Critically evaluate a range of research approaches and philosophies.
·Evaluate an existing piece of research relevant to own education setting.
·Justify the contribution of research to own education setting.
·Justify the elements of a research proposal.
·Analyse the ethical aspects of research.
Task 2 – (LO3, AC 3.2. LO4, AC 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4)
Produce an appropriate research proposal to;
·Explain types and sources of research data.
·Analyse data using appropriate approaches.
·Evaluate the significance of data and the method of collection.
·Draw conclusions from data collected.
Task 3 – (LO5, AC 5.1 and 5.2)
·Analyse the relationship between research and evidence-based practice.
·Analyse the contribution of research and evidence-based practice to decision-making.
Submission Requirements;
1.Word processed Research Proposal.
2.Reference List
3. Bibliography
[*] 4500 word count for all tasks.
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Research Proposal
A. 10 areas as samples of education setting for your reference:
- The impact of technology on student learning outcomes
- Investigating the effectiveness of teacher professional development programs
- Assessing the benefits of student-centered learning in the classroom
- Analyzing the relationship between school climate and student achievement
- The effects of homework on student achievement and motivation
- Examining the impact of parental involvement on student achievement
- Evaluating the efficacy of formative assessment in promoting student learning
- The role of social and emotional learning in academic success
- Investigating the effects of student diversity on classroom dynamics and achievement
- The impact of school leadership on teacher motivation and retention.
B. Select one of the areas above to write your research proposal.
For example, “The impact of technology on student learning outcomes” was selected.
Task 1 –
1.1 Critically evaluate a range of research approaches and philosophies.
[Answer]
Research Question: How does the use of technology impact student learning outcomes in a specific educational setting?
Critical evaluation of research approaches and philosophies for this topic:
- Quantitative Research Approach: This research approach involves the use of statistical and numerical data to measure the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. Surveys and standardized tests could be used to collect quantitative data. This approach is effective in measuring the impact of technology on student performance, but it does not consider the broader context of the learning experience.
- Qualitative Research Approach: This research approach focuses on understanding the experiences and perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators regarding the use of technology in the classroom. This approach is effective in providing rich and detailed data, but it can be difficult to generalize findings to a broader population.
- Mixed-Methods Research Approach: This research approach combines both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. This approach can provide both numerical data and rich descriptions of experiences, but it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- Post-Positivist Research Philosophy: This philosophy assumes that knowledge is objective and can be discovered through empirical observation and testing. This philosophy is well-suited to quantitative research approaches but may not account for the subjective experiences of students and teachers.
- Constructivist Research Philosophy: This philosophy assumes that knowledge is socially constructed and that individuals interpret and make meaning of their experiences. This philosophy is well-suited to qualitative research approaches but may not provide definitive answers to research questions.
- Feminist Research Philosophy: This philosophy assumes that research should aim to address social inequalities and empower marginalized individuals. This philosophy may be particularly relevant in studying the impact of technology on underserved populations.
In summary, the choice of research approach and philosophy will depend on the specific research question and the goals of the research study. A mixed-methods approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative methods may provide the most comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. Additionally, a constructivist or feminist research philosophy may provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of students and teachers.
1.2 Evaluate an existing piece of research relevant to own education setting.
[Answer]
One existing piece of research that is relevant to the topic of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes is the study conducted by Zheng and Warschauer (2015) titled “Laptops in the Classroom: What Do They Add?” (Zheng & Warschauer,2015).
The study aimed to investigate the impact of laptops on student learning outcomes in a university setting. The researchers used a quantitative research approach and collected data from over 300 students in three different courses, with one course having a laptop requirement and the other two courses having no laptop requirement. The researchers collected data on student performance, engagement, and satisfaction using surveys and final exam grades.
The findings of the study showed that students in the laptop-required course performed similarly to students in the other courses in terms of final exam grades. However, students in the laptop-required course reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction compared to students in the other courses.
Overall, the study suggests that laptops in the classroom can have a positive impact on student engagement and satisfaction, but they may not necessarily lead to improved learning outcomes. One limitation of the study is that it only focused on a university setting and may not be generalizable to other educational contexts. Additionally, the study only looked at the impact of laptops and did not consider other forms of technology that may have different impacts on student learning outcomes.
Despite its limitations, the study by Zheng and Warschauer provides valuable insights into the potential impact of technology on student learning outcomes and highlights the importance of considering both engagement and learning outcomes when evaluating the effectiveness of technology in education.
1.3 Justify the contribution of research to own education setting.
[Answer]
Research on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes can make important contributions to the education setting in several ways:
Improving the effectiveness of technology integration: Research can help educators understand how best to incorporate technology in the classroom to support student learning. For example, research can provide insights into which types of technology tools are most effective and under what conditions they are most useful.
Enhancing student engagement and motivation: Research has shown that technology can improve student engagement and motivation, which are important factors in promoting student learning. By identifying the factors that contribute to engagement and motivation, research can help educators design more effective technology-enhanced learning experiences.
Identifying best practices in teaching and learning: Research can help identify the best practices in teaching and learning with technology. By examining the experiences of successful educators and students, research can provide insights into effective teaching strategies, such as student-centered learning, that can be applied in the classroom.
Addressing equity and access issues: Research can shed light on the potential impact of technology on equity and access in education. For example, research can examine how technology can be used to support underserved populations, such as students with disabilities or those from low-income backgrounds.
1.4 Justify the elements of a research proposal.
[Answer]
Here is a justification of the elements of the research proposal on the topic of “The Impact of Technology on Student Learning Outcomes”:
Title: The title is concise and accurately reflects the topic of the research proposal.
Background: The background section provides a clear justification for the research, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of technology on student learning outcomes and the need for further research in this area.
Research question: The research question is clear, specific, and focused, which helps to guide the research and ensure that it addresses the key issues related to the impact of technology on student learning outcomes.
Literature review: The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the topic, highlighting the key findings and identifying gaps in the literature. This helps to establish the theoretical framework for the research and ensures that it builds on existing knowledge.
Research design: The research design outlines the methods that will be used to collect and analyze data, which helps to ensure that the research is rigorous and reliable. The use of a mixed-methods approach is appropriate for this research question as it allows for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data.
Participants: The selection of participants is important to ensure that the research is relevant to the education setting. In this proposal, the inclusion of students and teachers from different levels of education (primary, secondary, and tertiary) ensures that the research is applicable to a broad range of educational contexts.
Data collection and analysis: The proposed methods for data collection and analysis are appropriate for the research question and will allow for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The use of surveys, interviews, and classroom observations will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes.
Ethics: The consideration of ethical issues is important to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. In this proposal, the researcher has outlined several measures to ensure that the participants’ confidentiality and privacy are protected, and that informed consent is obtained.
Limitations: The identification of limitations is important to ensure that the research is conducted in a realistic and feasible manner. In this proposal, the researcher has identified potential limitations, such as the challenge of recruiting participants and the potential bias in self-reported data.
1.5 Analyse the ethical aspects of research.
[Answer]
Informed consent: Obtaining informed consent is essential to ensure that participants understand the nature and purpose of the research and can make an informed decision about whether or not to participate. In this proposed research, the researcher has stated that participants will be informed about the study’s purpose and will be asked to sign a consent form before participating. This is an appropriate ethical measure.
Confidentiality and privacy: Protecting participants’ confidentiality and privacy is essential to ensure that they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. In this proposed research, the researcher has stated that participant data will be kept confidential and will only be accessible to the research team. This is an appropriate ethical measure.
Data collection: The researcher has proposed using surveys, interviews, and classroom observations to collect data. It is essential that the data collected is relevant to the research question and that participants’ responses are not biased or influenced in any way. The researcher has stated that the data collected will be anonymous and will be kept confidential, which is an appropriate ethical measure.
Participant selection: The researcher has proposed including students and teachers from different levels of education, which is appropriate. It is important to ensure that participants are not coerced into participating and that they are aware of their right to withdraw at any time.
Bias: The researcher has identified the potential for bias in self-reported data, which is an appropriate ethical measure. It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the research and take steps to mitigate potential biases.
Use of data: The researcher has stated that the data collected will be used only for research purposes and will not be used for any other purpose. This is an appropriate ethical measure.
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Reference
Zheng, B., & Warschauer, M. (2015). Laptops in the Classroom: What Do They Add? A
Analysis of Their Impact on Student Learning and Classroom Teaching. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 52(1), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633115591705
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Task 2 –
Produce an appropriate research proposal to;
·Explain types and sources of research data.
·Analyse data using appropriate approaches.
·Evaluate the significance of data and the method of collection.
·Draw conclusions from data collected.
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[Answer]
Title: The Impact of Technology on Student Learning Outcomes.
2.1 Background:
Technology has become increasingly integrated into education settings, providing new opportunities for teaching and learning. However, it is unclear how the use of technology impacts student learning outcomes. Understanding the impact of technology on student learning outcomes is important to inform educational practice and policy. This research proposal aims to explore types and sources of research data, analyze data using appropriate approaches, evaluate the significance of data and the method of collection, and draw conclusions from data collected on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes.
2.2 Research Questions:
What are the types and sources of research data that can be used to explore the impact of technology on student learning outcomes?
What are the appropriate approaches for analyzing the data collected in the context of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes?
How can the significance of the data collected and the method of collection be evaluated?
What conclusions can be drawn from the data collected on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes?
2.3 Literature Review:
The literature review will provide an overview of the existing research on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes, highlighting the key findings and identifying gaps in the research. It will also explore the different types and sources of research data that can be used to study the impact of technology on student learning outcomes.
2.4 Methodology:
The proposed research will use a mixed-methods approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study will be conducted in two phases: data collection and data analysis. The data collection phase will involve surveys, interviews, and classroom observations to collect both quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. The data analysis phase will involve the use of appropriate statistical methods to analyze the quantitative data and thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data. The significance of the data collected and the method of collection will be evaluated using appropriate measures.
2.5 Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of this research include a better understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes, identification of the types and sources of research data that can be used to study the impact of technology on student learning outcomes, and recommendations for educational practice and policy based on the findings.
2.6 Ethical Considerations:
Ethical considerations will be taken into account during the research process. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and their confidentiality and privacy will be protected. The data collected will only be used for research purposes and will be kept confidential. Any potential risks associated with the research will be identified and addressed to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
2.7 Conclusion:
The proposed research will contribute to the understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes and provide recommendations for educational practice and policy. The mixed-methods approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. The ethical considerations taken into account will ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
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Task 3 –
·Analyse the relationship between research and evidence-based practice.
·Analyse the contribution of research and evidence-based practice to decision-making.
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[Answer]
3.1 Analysis of the Relationship between Research and Evidence-Based Practice:
Research and evidence-based practice are closely related in the context of exploring the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. Research provides the necessary evidence to support evidence-based practice, which involves using research evidence to inform decision-making in educational settings. Evidence-based practice ensures that decisions are based on sound evidence and that practices are effective in achieving the desired outcomes. In the case of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes, research can provide evidence to support the adoption of technology-based educational practices, as well as identify areas where technology may not be effective in improving student learning outcomes.
3.2 Analysis of the Contribution of Research and Evidence-Based Practice to Decision-Making:
Research and evidence-based practice have significant contributions to decision-making in the educational setting. Decision-making in education involves a range of activities such as policy development, curriculum design, and instructional planning, among others. Evidence-based practice ensures that these activities are based on the best available evidence, which can lead to improved student learning outcomes. Research provides the necessary evidence to support evidence-based practice by identifying best practices and areas for improvement in educational settings. Evidence-based practice, in turn, provides a framework for using research evidence to inform decision-making, ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence rather than personal beliefs or preferences.
According to Cook, Bordage, and Schmidt (2015), evidence-based practice involves the integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to inform decision-making. In the context of the impact of technology on student learning outcomes, research evidence can inform decisions about the use of technology in the classroom, while clinical expertise and student values and preferences can provide insight into the appropriateness of technology-based practices for individual students. The integration of these factors can lead to improved decision-making, resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, research and evidence-based practice play an essential role in decision-making in the educational setting, particularly in exploring the impact of technology on student learning outcomes. Research provides the necessary evidence to support evidence-based practice, while evidence-based practice ensures that decisions are based on sound evidence. By integrating research evidence, clinical expertise, and student values and preferences, evidence-based practice can lead to improved decision-making, resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
Reference:
Cook, D. A., Bordage, G., & Schmidt, H. G. (2015). Description, justification and clarification: a framework for classifying the purposes of research in medical education. Medical education, 49(10), 931-938.