EDRD613 Educational Research Design (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): EDRD607  
This course explores the design, execution, analysis, and evaluation of qualitative, empirical, and teacher action research in the field of literacy across the lifespan. Seminar discussions of issues in literacy education lead to individual research proposals that include a literature review and a methodology/action plan for investigation of a targeted area of interest regarding literacy development, culminating in a leadership plan for facilitating learning communities focused on critical analysis and engagement in teacher action research.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

RLE. A reading leader, in viewing professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility, must:
(1) promote and facilitate teachers’ ongoing self-reflection related to teaching and student learning.
(4) provide leadership in developing and maintaining learning communities.

1. Evaluate the usefulness of different research designs for advancement of knowledge in the field of literacy education.

2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts of reliability, validity, and generalizability through critical analysis of selected research in literacy education.

3. Evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of data analysis through critical analysis of selected research reports.

4. Formulate a personal plan for investigation of literacy education research, theory, and practice in an area of interest.

5. Complete a research proposal which includes an in-depth literature review and an appropriate methodology/action plan.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in the conduct of educational research.

7. Explain how ethical issues will be addressed in one’s research proposal.