This course will be 'self-paced' through a structured reading and discussion program. The principal supervisor will actively oversee the work. Candidates will be expected to prepare written responses to the readings (as developed for each reading) and to engage in regular discussion with peers, particularly through candidate-led theory seminars.

Candidates will be better able to understand research theory, and for their own research project, 'what' theory, 'why' that theory, and how to use 'that theory'. Theory can be taken to refer also to conceptual grounding, critical assumptions and underlying motivation or principles.

1. Word length will be approximately 6,000 words as negotiated with each candidate’s supervisory panel. The 6000 words will eventually contribute to the total word length of the theory and methodology chapter.

2. Percentage of assessment
The final theory and methodology chapter, which will include work from this course, will comprise part of the TPR submission and be 100% of the assessment for this course

3. Assessment criteria
The work will be assessed by the supervisory panel using the following criteria.
The candidate will have demonstrated
•    a satisfactory understanding of the use of educational theory in research
•    an appreciation of a range of educational theories and how they apply to research
•    the ability to argue why they are using a particular  theory for their research
•    the ability to link the theory being proposed to the proposed method of analysis

10 hours per week of reading, writing and discussion

Enrolment in a CASS PhD.

Enrolemnt in a CASS HDR program.

Texts will be provided on the course website

Access to ANU learning management system Wattle