Literature and Research in Education
Learning outcomes
In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 7 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:
1. identify a clearly structured research focus appropriate to a level 7 dissertation in education and to the student’s professional situation;
2. articulate the aims and purposes of reviews of literature;
3. undertake a preliminary review of literature to inform a practice based study;
4. present a coherent argument for the selection of literature in the review;
5. critically evaluate the review and identify areas for further investigation.
Content Distinction between literature search, literature survey, literature review
Focus of literature review – research questions and search terms
Different types of literature review
Purposes of literature review
Search strategies and reference tools and sources of information in researching education literature
What makes a good review of literature? Evaluating literature reviews
Writing reviews of literature, synthesis and critical engagement with the literature
Learning and teaching strategies
Contact Time:
Taught sessions
Non-contact Time:
Action learning sets, literature search, assignment writing.
Learning support Books:
Fink, A. (2010) Conducting research literature reviews: from the Internet to paper 3 rd ed., London: Sage
Grix, J. and Watkins, G. (2010) Information Skills: Finding and using the right resources, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Hart, C. (2001) Doing a literature search : a comprehensive guide for the social sciences, London: Sage
Jesson, J.K., Mathson, L. and Lacey, F. (2011) Doing your Literature Review: Traditional and Systematic Techniques, London: Sage
Machi, L.A. and McEvoy, B.T. (2009) The Literature Review, Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press
Smeaton, R.F. (1999) Researching education : reference tools and networks 2nd ed., Hull: Librarians of Institutes & Schools of Education
Electronic Sources (accessed June 2011):
University of Brighton online library http://library.brighton.ac.uk/pages/Resources_A-Z/index.php
Assessment task
Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following task:
Task (weighting 100%)
Clarify the purpose of a literature review in informing the development of a level 7 research study and undertake a preliminary review of literature in a chosen field appropriate to your professional situation and agreed with your tutor. (3,000 words).
Include as an attachment an evaluation of literature review that clarifies how it can be developed for the dissertation. (1,000 words)
The task will be marked on a percentage basis. The module pass mark is 50%.
Referral task: Reworking of original task
Assessment criteria General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors for level 7. Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded for:
• identification of a research focus appropriate to a level 7 dissertation in education and to own professional situation (LO1);
• articulation of the aims and purposes of reviews of literature in general and in relation to specified research ideas (LO2);
• engagement with and articulation of literature search to inform a practice based study (LO3);
• selection of appropriate literature supported by a reasoned argument for its inclusion (LO4);
• critical evaluation of the submitted literature review with identified areas for further investigation (LO5).
All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module at the threshold level.
KIS contact and assessment information
Allocation of study hours to activities
10 credits = 100 learning hours
Note: the percentage figure is for overall student activity.
Example (10 credit/100 hour module)
Lecture: 10 hours (10%)
Seminar: 6 hours (6%)
Independent Study: 60 hours (60%)
Revision 14 hours (14%) Activity Study hours
SCHEDULED
Indicative modes:
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, supervised time in workshop/ studio, fieldwork, external visits, work-based learning
Mode of Study Hours %
lectures
18 9%
tutorials
To include group tutorials and peer led support
2 1%
GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY
Indicative modes:
Independent study including wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, completion of assessment tasks, revision etc
Mode of Study
independent study including wider reading/ practice
120 60%
completion of assessment tasks
60 30%
PLACEMENT
Learning away from the University that is not a year abroad or work-based learning, but does include School placements.
Assessment tasks
Type of assessment tasks
Summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for progression (expressed as a % of the overall assessment for the module) Activity
Further details %
WRITTEN
Written exam
COURSEWORK
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output written assignment/ essay
100%
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment
OTHER
Set exercises assessing application of knowledge, analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills
Brief description of module content and/or aims for publicity
The module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake effective literature searches and reviews to support level 7 study. Students will be introduced to literature searching and search strategies and tools and survey and review methods and will use these to undertake and critically evaluate a review of literature in a chosen field.
Area examination board MAEd/PGCert PES/MTL Joint AEB/CEB
Module co-ordinator
Nadia Edmond
Normal module duration
1 semester
Site where delivered
Falmer, Eastbourne and Mauritius
Date of first approval (month/year) June 2011
Date of last revision
(month year) N/A
Date of approval of this version (month/year) June 2012
Version number
2
Replacement for previous module N/A
Route(s) for which module is acceptable and status in Route MA Education (compulsory)
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course MA Education Compulsory
MA Education (International Education) Compulsory
MA Education (Higher Education) Optional
MA Education (Leadership and Management) Compulsory
School home
School of Education
External examiner(s) Ms. Jane Chambers
Ms. Teresa Morris
