Pen Green Centre for children and their families

The aims of this module are to enable students to:

• Carry out an independent practitioner action research study.
• Deepen their understanding of their chosen area of interest in the context of integrated working in the early years.

Knowledge and Understanding:

On successful completion of this programme a student will:

• Have a systematic understanding of practitioner action research in the field of early years and how it can be used to improve practice.
• Know and understand a range of methodologies, techniques and tools and evaluate their effectiveness for use within their setting and role.
• Apply ethical guidelines to a specific research project.
• Analyse an area of interest within the early years.

Intellectual, practical and transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to:

• Define an appropriate early year’s area for investigation.
• Use appropriate data gathering instruments and undertake analysis of qualitative evidence
• Use relevant literature to inform the investigation.
• Independently carry out the investigation . and present the outcomes in a clear logical and coherent manner demonstrating an understanding of differing perspectives.

Scheduled Teaching, campus−based activities in general teaching spaces (e.g.lectures, 20 seminars, tutorials) 26 hours

Scheduled campus−based activities in specialist teaching spaces (e.g practical classes, 25 workshops, demonstrations) 10 hours

Directed independent study 214 hours

Self-directed independent study 350 hours

Total hours 600

Total:  600 hours

Scheduled online activities (General Teaching/Specialist Teaching) 36 hours

Directed independent study 214 hours

Self-directed independent study 350 hours

Total hours 600

Total:  600 hours

This module involves carrying out an extended investigation with a view to improving practice. The practitioner will be expected to define an area to investigate, plan and implement a research design utilising appropriate methods for gathering, handling and analysing data. This will involve you in independent enquiry, data collection, analysis and presentation of material plus an evaluation of the difference it is making to your own and your setting’s practice as well as a critique of your research design. Critical appraisal of relevant literature is also required.

You will be introduced to various research methodologies to enable you to choose and define an appropriate design for your area of investigation. You will undertake the dissertation to critically reflect on practice and generate ideas for developing your own practice and that of your setting. You will be supported in the design of your research, appropriate data gathering techniques and methods of analysis. Relevant literature on the chosen topic and methodology will be used to inform your investigation which you will present in a clear, logical and coherent manner. The module will draw on a range of teaching and learning methods. You will be offered tutorial support.

This module is assessed through coursework – written dissertation.