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NMQ 800
An introduction to advanced research, theory and methods in education
Study guide 2017
Co-ordinator: Dr A Engelbrecht
Contact coordinators per department:
Educational Psychology: Dr F Omidire
Science, Mathematics and Technology Education: Dr B Mofolo-Mbokane
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. INTRODUCTION TO NMQ 800 4
2. LEARNING OUTCOMES 4
3. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 5
4. ASSESSMENT 6
4.1 PREPARATION 6
4.2 SUBMISSION 6
4.3 PENALTY 6
4.4 CALCULATION OF MARKS 7
4.5 TECHNICAL MATTERS 7
4.6 REFERENCING 7
4.7 PLAGIARISM 7
4.8 COVERSHEET 8
5. CONTACT SESSIONS 9
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STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF 10 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
7. PATHWAYS TO COMPLETE NMQ 800 11
7.1 OUTLINE 12
7.2 IMPORTANT DATES 13
7.3 PROPOSAL PRESENTATIONS LECTURERS/PRESENTERS 13
7.4 SCHEDULE 15
7.5 DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATORS 17
7.6 LECTURERS/PRESENTERS 18
7.7 PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED READINGS 18
7.8 ASSIGNMENTS 20
7.9 GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSMENT AND RUBRICS 25
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1. INTRODUCTION TO NMQ 800
NMQ 800 is a research methodology module, which focuses on the structure and development
of a research proposal and introduces students to the key philosophies, approaches,
methodologies and methods in educational inquiry. The course aims to assist you to develop
your research proposal. This includes defining and finding a good research question, conducting
a literature review, identifying and selecting an appropriate research design, drafting an
appropriate theoretical/conceptual framework, collecting and analysing data as well as taking into
account issues of validity, reliability, ethics and politics.
The course includes basic concepts and approaches associated with quantitative, qualitative and
mixed methods research designs, including action research, case study research, ethnographic
research, historical research, correlation research, experimental and quasi-experimental
research. The course also aims to ensure that you read and review scholarly work and are
sensitised to the ethical, political and emotional aspects of research. You will complete
assignments for submission, which will all contribute to the finalisation of your research proposal.
Please ensure that you complete the assignments prescribed by YOUR department.
Working on the assignments systematically and in consultation with your supervisor thus ought
to assist you in developing your research proposal. The proposal, if presented successfully, is
the tangible outcome of your passing this module. Please read this study guide thoroughly
BEFORE the lectures and discussions with your supervisor commence.
We wish you well in your studies.
2. LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing NMQ 800 you should be able to:
explain the ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations of qualitative and
quantitative research;
distinguish among qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research designs in
education;
identify and develop good research questions;
review, critique and synthesize the research literature related to a particular research
problem;
choose a research strategy and methods appropriate for the research problem;
identify different ways to collect qualitative and quantitative data;
select suitable data analysis techniques;
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establish reliability and validity in both quantitative and qualitative research;
justify the choice of research methodology, taking into account issues of politics and
ethics;
identify and address possible ethical concerns as well as the political and social
implications of research;
develop a broad understanding of the range of field-related education theories, ideas and
concepts that mark the current social science and educational landscape;
develop a basic level of competence in applying the major education theories, ideas and
concepts within your educational practices as a professional working in various
educational contexts (schools, clinics, colleges, universities, parastatals, NGOs,
development organizations and government);
develop an ability to apply theoretical understandings when conducting basic research in
education and the social sciences;
extend your theoretical insights based on the outcomes (results/findings) of empirical
inquiry;
become aware of and develop your own theoretical stances and how these impact on
your professional and scholarly engagement;
successfully develop a research proposal of approximately 10 to 12 pages.
3. MODULE REQUIREMENTS
NMQ 800 requires unusual dedication, commitment and effort on the part of every student in
order to succeed. You are expected to make an immense commitment of your time and energy.
It is important that you plan your work in advance and consult the relevant lecturers when you
need help. The following expectations apply:
Basic knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research is assumed on
the basis of the Honours degree training that precedes Masters studies.
You are expected to read well beyond the list of class references.
You must be fully computer literate. This includes knowing how to insert track changes
and e-comments as well as checking your documents for plagiarism using Turnitin.
You must be able to access ClickUP and do library research. There are training
programmes to help new students. You can contact [email protected] if
you have problems with ClickUP and [email protected] if you need
assistance with library searches.
You must attend all contact sessions.
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4. ASSESSMENT
The assessment for NMQ 800 is based on the following:
Active participation in class, such that it reflects understanding of the readings.
A portfolio of works, consisting of assignments that will help you to develop and present
your research proposal at departmental level.
4.1 PREPARATION OF ASSIGNMENTS
You will work closely with your supervisor who will guide you in completing the
assignments, which will finally become your proposal. It is good to consult a wide literature
base when doing the assignments. Do not only stick to the prescribed readings. Should
you be uncertain how to proceed, please discuss the assignment with your supervisor well
before the due date. Take along all evidence of your own efforts to do the assignment and
clearly indicate why you are not able to proceed.
4.2 SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments are compulsory. If any assignment is not submitted or completed you will
fail the module as the assignments contribute to the development of the final research
proposal.
Posted assignments must reach the relevant department before the due date.
Hard copies may be handed in at the departmental administrators office of the
department where you study before or on the dates of submission. Electronic submissions
can be uploaded to the NMQ 800 ClickUP page before or on the due date.
Please copy and staple the assessment rubric for each assignment just after the cover
page of each assignment that you submit. The relevant rubric has been printed after each
assignment.
No assignment will be marked unless the assignment has been signed by the
supervisor.
4.3 PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS
The penalty procedures for late assignments will be determined by each department.
Although students will not be allowed to re-do an assignment for marks, students must
remember that this work must be improved and revised for the proposal.
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4.4 CALCULATION OF MARKS
A final mark of 50% is required in order to pass NMQ 800. Students who obtain 40% and
less for an assignment must make an appointment with the relevant lecturer and his/her
supervisor before attempting the next assignment. All assignments will contribute to your
year mark. The subminimum for admission to the exam (proposal presentation) is 40%.
Assessment of your final proposal presentation of the proposal will form the examination
mark for this module. The final mark for the module is the average of the semester mark
and the examination mark. The examination mark comprises a supervisors mark that
contributes 40% and marks given by two critical readers of your final proposal, each
contributing 30% to the examination mark.
4.5 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
All assignments must be typed using Arial 12pt font and 1.5 line spacing.
Attach a cover sheet (see template below) with your name, student number, course and
assignment number, date of submission and contact details. Sign the declaration of
authorship.
Number all the pages and staple them together in the top left-hand corner. Do not use
paper clips. Avoid using fancy folders.
4.6 REFERENCING
It is very important that you fully acknowledge the sources of info