This course will introduce important challenges in teaching and learning and discuss current research on these topics.  Models of practitioner research and modes of inquiry appropriate to applied research will be analyzed to provide insights into the uses and limitations of these approaches and tools.  Human subject rules and regulations and the ethics of school-based research will be discussed.  Students will identify a topic for investigation and develop an applied research proposal.  The proposal will frame the question, discuss the rationale for the question, include a review of the literature on the topic, and describe the planned data collection and analysis activities.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Analyze the ethics of school-based research in relation to human subject rules and regulations.
2. Develop an applied research proposal based on an identified topic for investigation.
3. Examine and critique educational research to better understand its issues and complexities.
4. Apply the scientific method to develop a proposal based on one or more research questions.
5. Consider the importance of applied research to the classroom setting.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Applied Research

Week 2: Unit 2 – The Annotated Bibliography

Week 3: Unit 3 – Methodology Part 1 (Intervention Plan)

Week 4: Unit 4 – Methodology Part 2 (Data Collection)

Week 5: Unit 5 – Methodology Part 3 (Ethics)

Week 6: Unit 6 – The Group Activity Project

Week 7: Unit 7 – Applied Research Proposal

Week 8: Unit 8 – Bringing It All Together

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc. 

Unit 1: Introduction to Applied Research

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Activity

Unit 2: The Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Portfolio Activity

Unit 3: Methodology Part 1 (Intervention Plan)

• Peer-assess Unit 2 Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 4: Methodology Part 2 (Data Collection)

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Begin Group Activity

Unit 5: Methodology Part 3 (Ethics)

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue working on the Group Activity

Unit 6: The Group Activity Project

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the Group Activity

Unit 7: Applied Research Proposal

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 8: Bringing It All Together

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation