MREL203 - IFE

MREL203
Educational Research in the Religion Classroom

MQF Level: 7

ECTS Value: 5 ECTS

Self Study Hours: 85

Contact Hours: 25

Assessment Hours: 15

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

Education is a very complex field which is in continuous development. It follows that educational material should be thoroughly researched and critically analysed to assess its relevance to future perspectives. Naturally this applies to Religious Education (RE) as well. Through this module, participants are given the opportunity to evaluate and become aware of different research possibilities in RE while developing a respectful attitude towards religious and spiritual diversity. Thus, the basis for this programme is the knowledge that participants need to acquire regarding already existing literature, approaches and methodology where diversity is truly embraced. Following this module, participants will be in a better position to select the kind of research that fits best their targets according to their personal preferences together with their needs in the educational field.

The main aim of the module is that participants explore the role and function of a literature review.. Based on the knowledge they acquire throughout the module, participants will be able to make a personal research plan which they will bring to completion. The participants will also be given the communication and research skills which will help them in their own personal development and to impart their ideas and findings effectively to their peers and audiences in different fora.

The module will help participants employ the use of information technology for qualitative and quantitative research so that they are better equipped to face their future in the educational field with the right tools in hand.

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

Competences

a. Understand systematically the key aspects of educational research and what it entails to carry it out in the context of RE;

b. Comprehend various types of research which can be employed in the RE context and select an appropriate methodology that fits the scope of the research;

c. Appreciate the importance of literature review preceding the selection of an appropriate research methodology to take place in a specific field of RE;

d. Analyse critically the objectives and circumstances leading to a need for qualitative and/or quantitative research;

f. Apply the skills required to embark on a specific research project.

Knowledge

a. Critique the different ways of carrying out research;

b. Determine the advantages and disadvantages of each research method;

c. Define the different stages of educational research as gathering, organizing and analysing data;

d. Develop ways of using information technology to carry out research in an efficient and effective way;

e. Critically assess different ways of evaluating a research project.

Skills

a. Recognise specific areas in the educational field that require in-depth analysis and development;

b. Critically assess the characteristics of different kinds of research and how these can be applied in RE;

c. Apply mentoring skills with other course participants;

d. Evaluate the curriculum being used and develop a scheme of work and a series of lesson plans;

e. Acknowledge moral development as aspects of human development, instigating in prospective students a drive to act according to conscience and integrate socially as true Christians;

f. Demonstrate the required skills for self and peer assessment.

g. Develop and cultivate an open social attitude, which goes beyond the classroom.

Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Research Study.