Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EDUC 866 G001

Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (5)

Class Number: 1418

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to qualitative research in education and examines topics such as identifying problems, using conceptual frameworks, coding, data analysis, drawing interpretations, and constructing arguments.

COURSE DETAILS:



“Qualitative researchers are interested in understanding how people interpret their experiences, how they construct their worlds, and what meaning they attribute to their experiences.” (Merriam, 2009, p. 5)

This course introduces students to the purposes behind qualitative research and the various forms and approaches researchers can use to understand the phenomenon they are investigating. Five main approaches are examined: narrative research; phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. We will also review action research, arts-based research, visual methodologies and mixed methods. During class, students will have an opportunity to engage in different stages of the research process, including identifying a research problem, forming a research question/s, data collection, coding, and interpretation. Students will also work through various stages of a research proposal process, gaining experience with identifying key questions, writing a literature review, justifying their choice of research methods and weighing ethical factors. Ways of recording qualitative findings also will be explored.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is designed to help students:

  • Explore and evaluate different forms of qualitative research
  • Build a foundation of understanding of qualitative research theory and practice
  • Make wise and justifiable decisions about their choice of research methods
  • Design a qualitative research study
  • Consider their own positionality within qualitative research paradigms
  • Communicate qualitative research findings

Grading

  • • A series of short assignments (both during and out of class) based on key steps in the research process 50%
  • • An analysis and presentation of one qualitative research approach 20%
  • • Participation, Discussion and Critique of readings 10%
  • • A research proposal project 20%

NOTES:

More detailed information regarding the assignments will be provided on the first day of classes.

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Some additional required readings will be distributed by the instructor throughout the duration of the course, which will include some research articles and other readings.

 

You may purchase the books through Amazon or Chapters, or the SFU Bookstore. Please note that it is the 4th edition of both books that we will be using. Please also ensure that you have purchased the books by the first day of classes.

REQUIRED READING:

Creswell, J. W. & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, 4th Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
ISBN: 13:978-1-5063-3020-4

Merriam, S. & Tisdell, E. (2016). Qualitative research: a guide to design and implementation, 4th Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
ISBN: 111900361X, 97811190

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.