PHUV9450 Educational Design Research Methods Course description

This course addresses different forms of Educational Design Research (EDR) and the related term Design-Based Research (DBR), providing participants with a foundation in the theoretical and historical underpinnings of EDR. The course provides examples of EDR projects by the course leaders including the different steps and considerations that go in to planning such studies. Finally, the course emphasizes student participation, discussion and getting feedback on their own EDR designs and thesis writing.

Approved by LUI's educational committee 21.06.2021

After completion of the course, the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the historical, epistemological, and methodological issues connected to different perspectives on Educational Design Research and Design-Based Research

• has understanding of principles and questions for selecting Educational Design Research and distinguishing between related methodologies

• has knowledge of current issues and research in the educational sciences related to EDR, including ethical considerations, the role of the researcher, and the roles of partners and participants

Skills

The student

• can plan and develop research designs following EDR principles
• can make choices about methods for data collection and analysis within EDR projects
• can identify key considerations for working with partners in authentic settings to carry our EDR projects

General competence

The student

• can develop nuanced readings and critiques of current EDR research literature

• can integrate EDR methodologies into the candidates own research projects

Course sessions include lectures, discussions, small group design exercises, and text feedback sessions. The course is planned to take place on two non-consecutive days so that participants have a chance to apply and reflect on the concepts before returning for the second session.

Preparations for the course

Students are expected to read the syllabus before the course to be able to participate actively in discussions.

Work Requirements

A 2- page sketch of the essay should be delivered prior to the second course meeting for feedback and guidance.

Attendence

80 % attendence of the time of the course is required. If a student has attended at least 60 % of the course but less than 80 %, he/she must submit an extra paper of at least 3000 words plus reference list on a given topic.

The candidate writes an individual essay of between 4000 - 6000 words. It can be written in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. The essay must be related to relevant themes in the course syllabus, and may (or may not) be connected to the candidate's dissertation methods chapter. The theme of the essay shall be approved by the course coordinator in advance.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

The learning outcomes serve as criteria for assessments. The grades are "pass" or "fail".

The essay will be assessed by two of the course coordinators.

Target group

This PhD course is open for candidates at the PhD Program in Educational Sciences for Teacher Education, other PhD candidates, and academic employees.

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission include completing a five-year master's program (integrated or consisting of a three-year bachelor's program and a two-year master's program, in total 300 ECTS) in the fields of teacher education, other pedagogical disciplines, educational science, development studies, social sciences, or other relevant areas related to the PhD programme. The master's degree should include a substantial independent project equivalent to a master's thesis (minimum 30 ECTS). An internationally completed master's degree that corresponds to at least four years in the Norwegian education system may also be considered for admission (please check the grounds for enrollment on the website of the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills). https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education/lists-and-databases/higher-education-entrancequalification-gsu

In case of a large number of applicants, PhD-students enrolled in the PhD programme in Educational Sciences for Teacher Education will be prioritized, then students in other PhD programmes, then academic employees at the Faculty of Teacher Education and International Studies.

Those applicants who are not enrolled in the PhD Programme in Educational Sciences for Teacher Education will have to send a summary of max. One A4 sheet with relevant information about their own PhD project or other project/sphere of interest containing the topic, methodology, theoretical approach, how far they are in their PhD work, and why this particular subject is relevant for their project.