Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - EDUC 866 G001

Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (5)

Class Number: 7204

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Surrey

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:

This course is an introduction to Qualitative Methodology and Methods, with content ranging from conceptualization to practical application.  The course is designed to develop student understanding of the epistemology, theory, methodology, and methods of qualitative studies. Practical experience in developing studies and an introduction to data collection and analysis as well as report writing is also a component of the course.

The course is divided into three distinct but iterative sections:

a) Foundational aspects of Qualitative Methodologies: What is Qualitative Methodology? Why do we use Qualitative methodologies and methods?
b) Qualitative Methods: Practical Applications: How do we design a Qualitative research study? How do we collect and analyze qualitative data? How do we write a qualitative research report?
c) Developing your Research Proposal: How will you design and implement a qualitative research study?

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Objectives:

-  understand the underlying epistemological and theoretical assumptions that underlie qualitative research

-  understand the research design process

-  become familiar with common qualitative research approaches

-  experience qualitative data collection and analysis

-  develop a personal research proposal for a qualitative study

 

Grading

  • Student-Led Discussion & Presentation on a Qualitative Research Approach 25%
  • Interviewing: Field Work Experience and Reflection 15%
  • Observation: Field Work Experience and Reflection 15%
  • Qualitative Research Proposal 35%
  • Discussion of Readings and In-Class work 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

Details of each assignment will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

ALL assignments must be completed to receive a final grade for this class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2024). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches Paperback (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Inc.

Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Additional Readings:  These will be available in a folder on Canvas.         

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.