Theoretical perspectives and research paradigm
Assignment task and instructions
1. Consider the following scenario: major top-down, nationally imposed, non-negotiable change has to be implemented in the curriculum at an educational institution, training site or learning context known to you. This change affects the learning in this organisation/site.
2. Imagine four people, one from each of the four positions presented in part 2 of the Study Guide – positivism, interpretivism, constructivism, critical research – discussing this change and the issues that it presents for them.
To explain more
What is the change and what is the context (eg Children’s Centre; eg FE College)?
Four people eg Pete a parent and a positivist; Irene a middle manager and an interpretivist; eg etc., etc. (Maybe 150-250 words at most).
3. For each of these four positions, identify a research question appropriate to the paradigm and explain how this research question would be enacted – i.e. what data would need to be produced. (approx. 2000 words)
To explain more
For each of these four positions, identify a research question appropriate to the paradigm and explain how this research question would be enacted – i.e. what data would need to be produced. (approx. 2000 words)
So, one by one identify the research question for each person and make your argument for how it links with the paradigm; consider how learning is being conceptualised by each person (their ontological position); outline and make the case for the design frame/methodology each person would use and the specific methods which might be used…..linking this last concern (with methods) to the types of data to be derived (and how those sorts of data might also ‘fit’ with the paradigm position).
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET AN AMAZING DISCOUNT 🙂
4. Using what you have learnt from the Study Guide, including the embedded readings and previous assignments, identify and explain the differences there might be between the positions held by the four colleagues. (approx. 2500 words)
To explain more
Using what you have learnt from the Study Guide, including the embedded readings and previous assignments, identify and explain the differences there might be between the positions held by the four colleagues. (approx. 2500 words)
Discuss the differences between the four positions, and maybe some similarities as well….draw on the mixture of debates in the Study Guide materials to display your understanding of some of the key issues involved….and draw on your earlier TMAs as you think appropriate. Here you will have some choices to make probably as to what you spend most of your time on….some might, for example, want to consider the differing approaches to analysis of data which might be used (mainly in the early sections of Part 4 of the Study Guide); some might wish to discuss in more detail the differing positions which some of the 4 people might have regarding judging the quality and validity of research (mainly towards the end of Part 4 of the Study Guide and to some extent in Part 5….but also linking back to the Hargreaves/Oakley ‘evidence-based’ arguments).
Do try in this section especially, but also in B above, to engage explicitly with some of the embedded readings/articles.
5. In arguing for the different positions, did you feel that you would align yourself with any one position? Explain your reasons for any compatibility. If you did not align yourself with any one position, explain why you found it difficult to take up a personal position. (approx. 500 words)
To explain more
In arguing for the different positions, did you feel that you would align yourself with any one position? Explain your reasons for any compatibility. If you did not align yourself with any one position, explain why you found it difficult to take up a personal position. (approx. 500 words)
The end-of-module assessment (EMA) requires you to show your understanding of the paradigms which we have highlighted in the module. You will remember that these do not represent an exhaustive list, rather the most common positions taken by those engaged in educational research. To prepare for the EMA task, see if you can note down what you would look for in order to identify the following within each paradigm:
• epistemology, ontology, methodology, validity, reliability.
Think about the research methods that might be relevant to a particular position. Then identify articles embedded within the study guide which support a discussion of a particular paradigm.
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET AN AMAZING DISCOUNT 🙂