Texas Course Syllabus for Foundations of Research in Education

The University of Texas at Brownsville
College of Education
Syllabus EDCI-6300.61.62, Spring 2012
Foundations of Research in Education

Department of Teaching, Learning & Innovation

Course Number and Title: EDCI-6300.61.62

Course Title: Foundations of Research in Education

Semester and year: Spring 2012

Prerequisite: Graduate status

Professor: Dr. Alberto José Herrera

Office: EDBC #1.316

Office Phone: (956) 882-6702, Cell: (956) 497-1053

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday (2:30-4:00 pm) & Thursday (3:00-4:00 pm), Wednesday (10:00-11:00am), Friday and other times by appointment

Email: Alberto.J.Herrera@utb.edu

Classroom Location: On-line

Course Catalog Description:

The course is an introduction to research methodology in education. It focuses on the relationship between research problem, questions and design and introduces students to techniques for collecting and analyzing research data. The course emphasis is on writing an analysis and synthesis of research methodology and findings in empirical articles. Lec 3, Cr 3

Required Texts:

Patten, M. L. (2009) Understanding research methods: An overview of the essentials. (7th ed). Glendale, CA: Pyrczak publishing

American Psychological Association (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Suggested Reference Text:

Gay, L. R., Mills, G. E., Airasian, P. (2012) Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications. Pearson publishing.

Course Description Expanded and Purpose of the Course:

This course offers an exciting opportunity to learn the founding principles and methods of classical research in education.

Course Objectives:

Describe the role of philosophy, epistemology, and theory in education research (Units 1 & 5);

Explain the nature of the different types of research paradigms/methods in education (Units 1, 3, 4, 5);

Demonstrate understanding of research design and how methodology is selected, data analyzed, and findings interpreted;

Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research methods (Units 3, 4, 5);

Describe and interpret statistical techniques such as descriptive and inferential statistics (Unit 2);

Describe data collection and analysis techniques in qualitative research (Unit 4);

Demonstrate skill in using library and internet resources to identify peer reviewed empirical research articles (Unit 1);

Analyze and evaluate reports/articles of empirical research in education (Units 1-5);

Demonstrate the ability to synthesize research literature by writing a review of literature (Units 1-5);

Communicate knowledge and ideas through writing well-developed academic papers following disciplinary genre and formatting requirements (Units 1-5).

Major Assignments:

Project One: Statement of the Research Problem - Students will choose a topic of interest and use it as an anchor for selecting and analyzing research articles and doing the literature analysis.

Project Two: Article Analysis - Students will select five empirical research articles from peer reviewed journals and analyze research design, theory, methods, and claims.

Project Three: Research Literature Synthesis - Students will read peer-reviewed research articles and synthesize the literature based on analyses carried out throughout the course.

Project Four: Learning Presentation - Students will present their literature synthesis and learning throughout the semester in a 10-15 minute PowerPoint presentation.

Discussion Board assignments, class activities, homework, and quizzes - In-class and homework assignments, tests, and quizzes as required by the course instructor.

Evaluation and Grade Assignment:

Project One: Statement of the research problem

Project Two: Article analysis

Project Three: Research literature synthesis

Project Four: Learning presentation

Discussion Board, class activities, homework, quizzes

Contributions to the course, online class participation

Total:

Grading Scale:

900 - 1000 pts A

800 - 899 B

700 - 799 C

600 - 699 D

< 600 F

Course Policies:

1. Complete all assignments by the required due date.

2. Please word process all assignments.

3. Name your Microsoft document file with your name and date.

4. The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus as deemed necessary.

Institutional Policies:

Satisfactory Academic Progress: GPA of 2.0 or higher and successful course completion of at least 70% of course work attempted.

Scholastic Dishonesty: Cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and other unfair advantage acts are prohibited.

Students Academic Responsibilities: Students are expected to attend class regularly and on time and are responsible for all class work and assignments.

Emergency Policy Statement: Course materials and communication may be made available through MyUTBTSC Blackboard and UTB email in case of emergency.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Students requesting accommodations should notify Disability Services early in the semester.

Addendum 2: Rating Sheet for the Research Literature Synthesis

1) Effectiveness of the Introduction: Clear focus, awareness of topic, relevant overview.

2) Currency & relevance of the literature cited: Current studies, trends, strengths, weaknesses, gaps.

3) Analysis of individual articles and demonstrated knowledge of the topic.

4) Effectiveness of the Conclusion.

5) Mechanics and Grammar.

6) APA format.

7) Coherence & flow of the logic or path of the argument.

Total Score:

Additional Notes: