MAEL 300 - IFE

MAEL 300
Dissertation

ECTS Value: 30 ECTS

Contact Hours: 15

Self Study Hours: 440

Assessment Hours: 295

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

This module requires course participants to undertake an individual research project in an area of specialisation identified by the participant. This part of the course requires the individual to construct research questions, identify and critically evaluate appropriate literature of the respective field, devise and carry out appropriate research methods, and critically interpret and examine the results and contribution of one’s research. In the process, the course participant is expected to comply with academic rigour and present findings in a well-structured and cogently argued form. The dissertation needs to be related to Educational Management, preferably in an area arising from the modules in this programme of study. The topic needs to be also an applied one, showing the ability of the participant to critically apply theory to a practical aspect of Education Leadership.

By the end of this programme, participants should be able to:

Competences

a. Critically assess and evaluate current literature on the chosen subject to define an area of study and formulate the research questions;
b. Employ the appropriate methodology to achieve the research targets as formulated in the research questions;
c. Clearly communicate to a specialised and non-specialised audience of own research findings;
d. Manage a research project within a specified timeframe;
e. Demonstrate originality in research;

f. Develop a research plan to tackle the challenges and opportunities in Educational Leadership.

Knowledge

a. Identify and critically appraise the theoretical, scientific and/or empirical knowledge appropriate for the study;
b. Determine the contextual framework for the research;
c. Demonstrates critical knowledge of theoretical and evidence-based practices within the field of Education Management;
d. Identify and appreciate ethical and management issues within the field of educational leadership research;
e. Demonstrate a critical and analytical approach towards in-depth knowledge of the specific subject matter

Skills

a. Design a research project related to a pedagogical and/or educational theme;
b. Adopt appropriate research methods to the field of study;
c. Formulate methods of collecting, manipulating and analysing data;
d. Compare and critically reflect on research findings and triangulate these findings with published literature;

e. Create a hypothesis and establish the correct tools to test it.

Assessment Methods

This programme adopts continuous and summative methods of assessment including assignments, online tasks, reflective journals, projects and video presentations. For further details, kindly refer to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and Procedures.

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

1. Briggs, A., Coleman, M., and Morrison, M.  (Eds) (2017); Research Methods in Educational Leadership and Management; Sage Publications Ltd; 3rd edition
2. Clough, P., and Nutbrown, C. (2012). A Student’s Guide to Methodology (3 ed.): Sage Publications.
3. Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K., (2011); Research Methods in Education. 7th ed. Routledge
4. Crossley, M., Arthur, L, McNewss, E. (2016). Revisiting Insider – Outside Research in Comparative and International Education; Symposium Books, Oxford
5. Daphne Johnson (1998); Research Methods in Educational Management; Financial Times: Prentice Hall
6. Neuman, W. L., (2003). Social Research Methods – Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. 5th ed. USA: Pearson Education, Inc.
7. Opie, C., (2010). Doing Educational Research. SAGE; London

Supplementary Reading List

1. Bryman, A., (2004). Social Research Methods. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford
2. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches: Sage, London
3. Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process: Sage, London
4. De Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research: Sage, London
5. Tashakkori, A. & Teddie, C., (1998). Mixed Methodology – Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. SAGE, London