EDUC8011 Action Research Project 3

Offered By	Cntr Educational Development and Academic Methods
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Education
Offered in	Second Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This is a project-based course with no formal class contact. Participants will work with a designated supervisor with meetings arranged by negotiation. Participants will undertake an extended inquiry into their own academic practice. The intention is to enable and support participants to systematically investigate and improve academic practice in their own particular context. While an action research focus is encouraged, other appropriate approaches are supported. Topics of inquiry could include, for example: • the design and conduct of interactive tutorials focused on a particular disciplinary topic • the negotiation of a mutually agreed focus for a student research project • devising a field trip or field placement activity • redesign and trial of a novel piece of assessment • a change in a specific management approach with a School • the development of a new management structure or process (eg workload model) • a modification to interaction with HDR students, etc
Learning Outcomes	Through the action research project participants can expect to develop: • a greater awareness of your own practices (as well as the practices of others) in a particular area of coursework teaching, curriculum design, research supervision and/or academic leadership; • a broader repertoire of skills and strategies for effective coursework teaching, curriculum design, research supervision, and/or academic leadership; • an enhanced understanding of the applicability of relevant educational models, theories and research to your own practice and academic context; • an enhanced ability to review and assess your practice, set goals for your own learning and development, and further enhance your performance and effectiveness.
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be through a report on project outcomes of approximately 6000 words due at the end of semester. This report should address: • the purpose and context of the project; • how the project is informed by key literature in the area; • the project methods and rationale behind the methods used; • presentation and evaluation of project outcomes; • implications of the outcomes for change in practice; and • how the inquiry could be improved or redesigned for a next iteration. Drafts of parts of the report should be prepared and reviewed with the Project Supervisor(s) progressively throughout the duration of enrolment.
Workload	This course requires substantial individual project work with one-on-one, needs-driven meetings with assigned Project Supervisor(s). The frequency and timing of these meetings will be negotiated. As a 6-unit course, the total workload should approximate 120 hours, mostly spent in independent study.
Course Classification(s)	SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Prescribed Texts	Readings will be tailored to individual needs and interests, and will thus vary from participant to participant.
Other Information	Staff Development Scholarship Scheme The Vice Chancellor is encouraging eligible staff to undertake the Master of Higher Education, by making this course (and the total program) available at no cost to eligible applicants through the Staff Development Scholarship Scheme (i.e. HECS-HELP/tuition fees are waived) http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/admission/sds/index.php
Academic Contact	Ms Pam Roberts

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