Research in Educational Contexts

Objectives

1.To demonstrate awareness of the nature, the procedures and the global stages of the research process in education
2.To recognize the importance of research in approaching educational issues;
3.To demonstrate reflective capacity and inquiry habits during the performance of student tasks in the curriculum
unit;
4.To recognize the ethical implications of research procedures;
5.To adequately apply, in real-life situations, the knowledge and skills acquired in the context of the curriculum unit;
6.To demonstrate capacity for team work .

Program

1. Research in education
2. Ethical issues in educational research
3. Planning a research project
4. Data collection
5. Analysis and interpretation of results
6. Drawing up an academic/research report

Teaching Methodologies

Teaching methodology combines a teacher-centered approach with practical activities which require the involvement of students in reading, critically analyzing and discussing research articles on educationally relevant issues. The main purpose is that students enjoy the opportunity to reflect upon the steps and dilemmas involved in preparing academic research papers, as well as on the contribution that research can make to the work of the teacher. Several strategies are used: teacher presentation of theoretical issues; whole-class discussions; computerassisted application of concepts and techniques in simulated situations; and small-group work on practical activities, including the development of a simulated research project. The formative assessment of students is ensured on a continued basis. In turn, summative evaluation of individual performance includes two main elements: a simulated research project, performed as a group task (50%) and small individual written tests (50%).

Bibliography

Anderson, G. (1990). Fundamentals of educational research. London: The Falmer Press.
Bell, J. (1997). Como realizar um projecto de investigação. Lisboa: Gradiva.
Bogdan, R., & Biklen, S. (1999). Investigação qualitativa em educação: uma introdução à teoria e aos métodos. Porto: Porto Editora.
Foddy, W. (1996). Como perguntar: teoria e prática na construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários. Oeiras: Celta Editora.
Hill, M. M., & Hill, A. (2000). Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.
Lima, J. Á., & Pacheco, J. A. (2006). Fazer investigação. Porto: Porto Editora.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: an expanded sourcebook. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Quivy, R., & Campenhoudt, L. V. (1992). Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. Lisboa: Gradiva.
Silva, A. S., & Pinto, J. M. (Orgs.) (1986). Metodologia das ciências sociais. Porto: Afrontamento.