Assessment for master level (2000 words)

Word count: 2000 words Preparation for assessment 02 You will have realised that educational research is enormously varied, not only in terms of types of learners and the settings in which learning can take place, but in the way that researchers approach their investigations. You will also have understood that the way in which researchers see the world, and the beliefs that they have about learning and the way in which it is positioned in the world, affect what they regard as important ‘topics’ for research and what they consider is ‘evidence’ to address a research question. Assessment 2 requires you to revisit two of the readings that have been presented to you within the module materials and to reconsider them in the light of your developing learning at the end of part 2 of the module. The articles that I chose for this assessment are presented below. In this assessment you need to do the followings: 1. A brief introduction identifying which articles you are working with-correctly presented according to the Harvard referencing standards (50 words.) 2. How has your understanding of the articles developed since you first encountered it? For example, can you now understand some of the terminology which may have been strange to you at the time? Focus on Research Paradigms (epistemology-ontology- methodology) (approx. 200 words) give relevant links to the theory. 3. What is the view of learning and learners taken by the authors of the articles? If you find it difficult to answer this question, explain why. For example, is it because the authors give insufficient detail; or their own position seems confused to you? (generally 700 words 350 each article) (Identify 2-3 views of learning/ learners for each article if you can’t state why, support clearly with clear links to the theory-keep description to the minimum. 4. What do you see as the key similarities and differences between the views of learning and learners taken in the two articles? Can you account for these in any way? ( generally 200 words 100 words for each article) account for these similarities-differences…choice of paradigms perhaps. Make clear reference to the theory. 5. In what paradigm positions would you put each of your chosen articles? Explain why you are making your decisions about this – what evidence do you find, explicitly or implicitly, in the articles? If you find this difficult, or are uncertain, explain why. Remember that many research studies are complex and multi-layered, so it is not surprising if a quick answer does not appear. (approx. 700 words 350 for each article) try to identify 2-3 key pieces of evidence in each article. 6. At this stage of the module, do you find that you align your own practice (or, if you are not a practitioner, view of learners) with any one paradigm position? Give your reasons for your response. (approx. 200 words) have you been involved in any research? A theoretical situation would be fine. Keep it simple and make clear links to the theory (give reasons). 7. A brief conclusion 30-50 words. • Use quotations from the module materials very sparingly and use your own words to show your knowledge and understanding. • You are encouraged to use appropriate terminology as used in the Study Guide (especially ontology, epistemology, tools, and the different paradigm positions) but always show your own understanding of these terms – your confidence will increase the more that you use the terms yourself. • Use the Harvard system for referencing. • There are five sections (200, 700, 200, 700, 200 words) and the best presentations will be in these clearly identified sections parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). • Put page numbers.