Research MethodologyModule Details

Rationale
Research is an important academic activity that allows a student to work independently with support and guidance from the supervisor. It is therefore important to provide to the student the theoretical underpinnings of research so that they can comfortably undertake a research activity on their own. This course introduces students to the intricacies of conducting research and its step by step aspects. The skills attained in this course should not only help the student conduct scientific research but also be able to use the principles of research, as a teaching pedagogy, to enable students at an early age to engage in practical research in order to solve problems. As research is one subject area not well covered in primary education this causes a poor background for most of the students at university level. Therefore, educational research is crucial here and potential teachers should be equipped with relevant research tools and skills to consider research as a part of their teaching requirement. This will in turn develop and enhance improved pedagogies, curriculums, the quality of teaching and learning and other educational activities.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will be expected to:

i.     Explain research and its characteristics.
ii.    Explain the research methodologies and their application to different research methods.
iii.   Examine the philosophical tenants of research.
iv.    Critically analyse research methods pertinent to technology innovation research.
v.     Explain how to research a chosen topic.
vi.    Compose a research proposal.
vii.   Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
viii.   Write a research project.