EDUC9719 Independent Research Study

In this topic students will undertake an independent research study in an area of education. Students undertaking a specialisation will select a topic within their specialised area of study. Students will examine contemporary research involving a selected area of interest to address educational issue/s and to identify an area for a research project. They will critically examine recent literature, engage in debate and reflection, and develop and apply their knowledge to plan, conduct and report a research project in their chosen area of interest.

This topic aims to:

• Foster inquiry as an essential educational practice
• Improve students' research skills and ability to critically evaluate literature
• Enable students to apply skills and knowledge relating to an area of educational theory or practice
• Encourage students to generate researchable questions in an area of current interest in educational theory, policy or practice
• Enable students to undertake an in-depth research study in an area of education
• Improve students' ability to construct, test and defend an argument
• Enable students to report research findings

1. Examine current literature in the field of education with an informed, critical perspective
2. Formulate research questions to investigate issues of interest and/or current concern in education
3. Apply research principles and methods in the evaluation and design of research into a current educational issue
4. Generate detailed proposal for educational research, including consideration of ethical research standards, methods and timelines
5. Undertake and report on a substantial independent research project
6. Communicate findings from analysis and synthesis of reading and personal research using high standards of academic literacy