Unit 3: Action Research Project

Dates: September 2023 - January 2024

Credit rating: 20

Level of study: 7

Contact Hours: 24

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

• Identify a topic for enquiry, justifying its professional significance. [analysis]

• Investigate methods of enquiry appropriate to the specific contexts of the topic. [experimentation]

• Conduct a scholarly enquiry. [research]

• Present project findings in a coherent, context-sensitive manner. [communication and presentation]

Indicative Content

In this unit, you will be introduced to a variety of methods of enquiry relevant to your selected project focus, and will experiment with those most appropriate to your content and context. You will work in small, problem-based learning (PBL) peer groups as you design, develop, conduct and analyse your enquiry.

Regular work-in-progress critiques will provide key formative assessment points, leading to final presentation of your project findings to peers and tutors at the course’s Academic Practice Conference. This conference will give you an opportunity to develop your peer-to-peer presentation skills, while at the same time disseminating educational research, scholarship and enhancement work across the programme.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods used on this unit include:

• Interactive workshops

• Project work

• Seminars

• Group tutorials

• Problem-based learning peer-groups

• Formative presentations

Assessment Requirements

The unit will be assessed holistically though the following components:

• Oral presentation of project findings.

• Accompanying presentation materials, to include visuals and/or script.

Essential Reading

Bell, J. and Waters, S. (2014) Doing your research project: A guide for first-time researchers. 6th edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Gray, C. and Malins, J. (2004) Visualising Research: A guide to the research process in art and design. Aldershot: Ashgate.

EduTechWiki, Problem-based learning. Accessed at: http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Problem-based_learning

Further recommended reading and resources are provided in the course reading list.