Conducted in terms: 2023Z, 2024Z

ECTS credits: 2.5

Language: English

Organized by: Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and European Education UW

Language teaching research 4100-IMGBNEJ

The philosophy and ethics of educational research will be key topics. In particular, students will learn and practice how to formulate then operationalise research questions. Sampling procedures will be discussed and described. Students will also be schooled in critical reading of scientific articles. The range of methods applicable to educational research will be reviewed: covering quantitative to qualitative approaches, mixed methods and survey design. Main methods highlighted will include:

1. experimental and quasi-experimental designs to assess teaching effectiveness
2. observation schedules to investigate classroom contexts and processes
3. analysis of classroom discourse, including recording, transcribing and coding, to obtain meaningful data on teacher-student interaction, negotiation of meaning and language-related episodes
4. learner reports and portfolios, interviews and thought process analysis to obtain participant perspectives with particular attention to learner ‘voices’
5. ethnography of the language classroom - to obtain a more complete picture
6. ethical considerations in educational research

During their seminar work students will read, analyse and discuss selected articles from research journals addressing specific research paradigms. Seminar participants will practise some skills and design their own research together with the group.

Term 2023Z:

Term 2024Z:

Mode

Blended learning

Requirements

Language teaching research

Prerequisites (description)

The course guides students towards obtaining the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in educational research, with specific focus on second language acquisition in instructional settings. The course will enable students to: • Examine the key theoretical and philosophical assumptions of educational research • Identify major research paradigms • Assess debate surrounding qualitative and quantitative approaches • Consider key issues in designing a research project • Explore approaches to disseminating research findings and address issues with the writing of research reports and papers The course creates opportunities for students to discuss research findings in the context of language education. Knowledge and skills gained during the course provide the basis for students to carry out their own research projects as part of the Master’s thesis.

Course coordinators

Dorota Campfield

Type of course

obligatory courses

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands

K_W01 - to an in-depth degree chosen facts, theories, institutions, processes, and phenomena related to linguistics
K_W02 - essential terminology relating to applied linguistics
K_W04 - the methods (based on education research), norms, procedures and standards of practice in various educational institutions, including institutions of higher education, related to the teaching foreign languages or social studies
K_W07 - in an orderly manner, various educational and care-giving environments, their specificity and functioning
K_W08 - to an advanced degree the purpose, organization, legal basis and functioning of educational, care-giving, therapeutic and cultural institutions
K_W09 - various participants involved in educational, care-giving, and cultural activities, inclusive education and ways of implementing the principle of inclusion
K_W10 - the methodology to perform common tasks, based on education research; the standards and procedures used in various educational areas
K_W11 - to an in-depth degree, the learners (recipients of educational services) and the methods of diagnosing their needs and assessing the quality of educational services

Skills: the graduate is able to

K_U01 - search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information, using a variety of sources and methods, including advanced information and communication techniques, in Polish and English
K_U03 - analyse and interpret intellectual property rights
K_U07 - assess the suitability of a variety of methods, procedures and best practices, and select and apply the appropriate approach with the goal of accomplishing tasks and solving problems related to foreign language teaching and/or teaching social studies
K_U13 - use their knowledge – formulate and solve complex and untypical problems and perform tasks in an innovative manner in unpredictable conditions through adapting existing methods and tools or creating new ones
K_U14 - plan a language teaching course and program suited to a full range of recipients in their social environment and various areas of economic, academic and social life
K_U17 - communicate on specialised topics and conduct an argument using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions in Polish and English
K_U22 - present their ideas, concerns, suggestions and arguments, in Polish and in English, supporting them with chosen theoretical perspectives and diverse viewpoints

Social competences: the graduate is prepared to

K_K01 - pursue lifelong learning
K_K02 - critically reflect on the level of their skills and knowledge, constantly develop professionally and personally, self-assess their competences, improve their skills, plan their development and training, consult experts in case of difficulties
K_K07 - correctly identify the priorities for the implementation of specified tasks
K_K10 - undertake psychological, pedagogic and educational actions in school, out-of-school and academic settings; is confident of their meaning and appropriateness, is ready to face professional challenges
K_K11 - undertake educational actions in an international context and function on the global job market

Assessment criteria

To pass the term the student has to demonstrate and/or achieve the following:

1. evidence of critical engagement with the course reading material
2. evidence of preparation and active participation in seminar sessions
3. ability to work in a group, cooperate and work for shared benefit
4. regular attendance at seminars (only 1 absence allowed)
5. positive assessment (Pass mark) of the course assignments
6. positive assessment of the test of knowledge and skills
7. positive assessment of the group research project
8. keeping to set deadlines for all tasks and assignments

Set assignments and tasks will be assessed according to the following criteria which may vary according to task/assignment:

1. ability to bring in the experience of set reading
2. depth and quality of arguments
3. comprehensive content
4. clarity of reasoning
5. compliance with instructions
6. content organisation and presentation taking the reader perspective into consideration
7. content communicated grammatically, in clear and succinct English, academic register
8. keeping to set deadlines for all tasks and assignments

Grading scheme:

95-100% - 5
90-94% - 5-
85-89% - 4+
80-84% - 4
75-79% - 4
70-74% - 3+
65-69% - 3
60-64% - 3-
0-59% - 2

Weights (%):

Activity – 15
Coursework – 35
Group project – 20
Test of knowledge and skills - 30

Practical placement

N/A

Bibliography

Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant sections from the recommended core and supplementary texts (read them and make notes) in addition to material provided on the platform.

Core reading:

• Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. London: Routledge.
• Mackey, A. & Gass, S. M. (2015). Second Language Research, 2nd edition. Routledge
• Punch, K. F. (2013). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, 3rd edition, Sage Publications Ltd.

Additional reading:

• Alderson, P. & Morrow, V. (2020). The Ethics of Research with Children and Young People: A practical Handbook. Sage Publications Ltd.
• Andrews, R. (2003). Research Questions. Continuum International Publishing.
• Brown, J. D., & Coombe, C. (Eds.). (2015). The Cambridge guide to research in language teaching and learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Brown, J. D., & Rodgers, T. S. (2002). Doing second language research. Oxford: OUP.
• Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: OUP.
• Mackey, A., & Gass Susan M. (2016). Second language research methodology and design. New York: Routledge.
• O’leary, Z. (2004). The essential guide to doing research. London: SAGE Publications.
• Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (Eds.). (2018). Research methods in applied linguistics: A practical resource. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
• Phakiti, A., De Costa, P., Plonsky, L., & Starfield, S. (Eds.). (2018). The Palgrave handbook of applied linguistics research methodology, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Pring, R. (2015). Philosophy of Educational Research, 3rd edition. Bloomsbury Academic.
• Robson, C. & McCartan, K. (2015). Real World Research, 4th edition. John Wiley & Sons

Term 2023Z:

Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant sections from the recommended core and supplementary texts (read them and make notes) in addition to material provided on the platform.

Core reading:

Additional reading:

Term 2024Z:

Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant sections from the recommended core and supplementary texts (read them and make notes) in addition to material provided on the platform.

Core reading:

Additional reading:

Notes

Term 2023Z:

- Coursework is carried out synchronously, through timetabled on-line seminars and asynchronously (outside timetabled seminar dates)

- On-line seminars (synchronous coursework) are carried out via the ZOOM platform. The timetable for seminars is on-line on the CKNJOIEE website

- Attendance is confirmed by students registering their name in the chat box. Attendance is obligatory (see University of Warsaw Regulations, III. Student Rights and Obligations, article 19, point 2)

- Details of asynchronous coursework are posted regularly on the Kampus platform

- Links to on-line seminars and tutor consultation are also posted on the Kampus platform

Term 2024Z:

- Coursework is carried out synchronously, through timetabled on-line seminars and asynchronously (outside timetabled seminar dates)

- Details of asynchronous coursework are posted regularly on the Kampus platform

- Links to on-line seminars and tutor consultation are also posted on the Kampus platform

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 4100-IMGBNEJ in USOSweb