Understanding Education Research

3 Credits.

One of the most familiar refrains in education policy is: “research shows....” But what exactly does this mean? This course will help students better understand education research, with a focus on methodology and its application in education research. For each method studied, students will learn the structure and requirements of the method, common challenges faced by researchers employing the method, and conclusions that can be drawn from the method. Once students understand the method from a theoretical standpoint, this knowledge will be applied by reading and discussing a peer-reviewed journal article that employs the method to answer a question in the field of education. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the methodologies and articles by leading an online discussion of one article; writing a summary of each methodology/article read; participating in online discussions; and writing a summative research proposal.