Module: ECS4003-20 Research in Early Childhood

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Melanie McCree

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.mccree@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Researching early childhood can help us to challenge our assumptions about babies, children and families and deepen our understanding of the links between ethics, politics, culture, economics and ideology in children’s lives. Building on the core questions asked in ECS4002, this module considers ways in which research in the context of early childhood can help us further deconstruct and analyse conceptualisations of childhood.

From national policy contexts to decisions made about individual interventions in early childhood settings, educators need to promote good educational judgements based on trustworthy evidence. This module will help you to develop:

- A broad and balanced knowledge and understanding of the principal features of research methods in a wide range of early childhood contexts;

- Understanding of the essential concepts in research methods within the context of early childhood and different research approaches as an early childhood researcher; and

- A range of qualities that enable you to develop and describe your own interests within the context of early childhood using the research methods concepts introduced within this module.

2.Outline syllabus

Key themes:

●      What is research in early childhood?

●      Approaches to research in early childhood

●      Methodological issues

●      Literature reviews

●      Theory and practice

3.Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and learning will be through lectures, online material (video lectures, formative assessments, asynchronous learning opportunities) and small group/ individual tutorial support. Lectures and online materials will be used to introduce and explain key concepts in each research method element. Online collaboration and tutor support will be used for social and group learning. Tutorials will be provided for students to discuss their personal learning developments and formative assignment feedback.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Group Research Presentation (1500 word equivalent) 

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research evaluation  (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%