MGUEN502 English 3, module 2 - Research Design and Methods in English Education

Contents and structure

Research Methods and Design in English Education is offered as one of four specialized modules (including the MA thesis) leading to a Master’s level degree in English. 

The aim of this module is to establish a methodological foundation for the Master’s thesis. The students will develop skills necessary to conduct qualitative and quantitative research at the Master’s level in accordance with professional and ethical standards. Students will learn how to formulate relevant research questions and design research projects.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the module, students should have acquired knowledge about

• the different stages of research design
• a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in English education.
• ethical standards, practices, and approval processes related to research in the field.         
• discipline-relevant aspects of the philosophy of science  

Skills

On completion of the module, students should be able to

• plan and design a research project, including (a) well-formulated, feasible research question(s)
• systematically connect research questions, theory, methods, and data
• select and apply methods of data collection and analysis suitable for answering different research questions
• reflect on issues related to research ethics and design projects in accordance with ethical and professional guidelines.

General competence

On completion of the module, students should

• be able to critically reflect on issues related to research methods and design in English education
• be able to critically appraise research in the field
• be aware of the ways in which the choice of method influences the results of a study.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

English 1 and English 2, or equivalents

Teaching methods

Study methods on the module are varied and could include group work, lectures, seminars, student presentations, and/or writing seminars. In this course, the learning of English requires interaction with fellow students and instructors. It is expected that students attend all teaching sessions, sharing the responsibility for carrying out learning activities, thus contributing to a fruitful learning environment. Students are also expected to form study groups independently of the activities led by the instructor.

The reading list may be supplemented with material given in the teaching sessions, and such material can also be tested at the exam. The course demands a certain amount of self-study, as the entire reading list cannot be taught in class.

All teaching is given in English. 

Compulsory learning activities

Learning portfolio, which consists of three assignments related to the course content. One of the assignments will be linked to research ethics. Further guidelines will be given in the course of the term. Obligatory assignments must be approved before they can be revised and included into the assessment portfolio.

Assessment

Individual portfolio exam. The students will choose 2 assignments from the learning  portfolio to include in the assessment portfolio. Guidelines for the portfolio will be provided in the course of the term. The different parts of the portfolio will be weighted equally.  

Grades A to F are used in assessment.

Examination support material

No limitations

More about examination support material