Education MA, Research in Practical Research, 15 credits

Aim

During the course, students are expected to develop competence in research and development work. The aim is for students to gain an in-depth understanding of pedagogical research in practice as well as deeper insight into scientific methodology as applied in practice. The course aims to enable students to deepen their knowledge and independently integrate and apply this knowledge in pedagogical practice. Furthermore, the course seeks to develop students’ ability to address complex phenomena, issues, and situations, and to prepare them for professional practice as well as research and development work that places high demands on autonomy and independent judgment.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and Understanding

• Describe the conditions and challenges of practice-based educational research.
• Account for the significance of critical analyses of research articles and scholarly texts.
• Reflect on their emerging research identity and research interests in relation to ongoing research within the field of education.

Skills and Abilities

• Identify, apply, and evaluate key theories, concepts, methods, and analytical approaches used in educational research.
• Produce an academic text that is well structured, theoretically grounded, formally correct, and linguistically clear.
• Critically and constructively communicate and discuss practice-based research, including its practices, methods, and shared experiences within specific research groups.

Judgement and Approach

• Reflect on their emerging research identity and research interests.

Content

The course provides insight into pedagogical research practice as conducted within the research orientations and seminar activities of the discipline of Education at Mid Sweden University. Particular emphasis is placed on practice-based research, that is, research processes carried out in close interaction between researchers and practitioners. During the course, participants are given opportunities to describe, analyse, and discuss the relationship between research and practice, with the aim of developing an understanding of how practice-based research contributes to the development of educational practice at various levels and in different societal contexts.

Throughout the course, practice-relevant research is analysed. Furthermore, a research plan for practice-based research is developed within a self-selected problem area, with the aim of identifying central aspects such as theoretical perspectives, methodology, and analytical approaches. In this way, the course prepares students for future practice-based research.
Overall, the course provides students with opportunities to reflect upon and develop their own research identity.

Entry requirements

A completed degree of at least 180 higher education credits (ECTS), including an independent degree project (thesis) of 15 credits, in the main field of Education or an equivalent main field, or a completed teaching degree of at least 180 credits including an independent degree project (thesis) of 15 credits. In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English equivalent to the general entry requirements for higher education at the first-cycle level in Sweden is required. Exemption from the requirement of proficiency in Swedish may be granted if the course is offered with English as the language of instruction.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is delivered through teacher-led seminars, participation in advanced seminars, and engagement with practice-based research and development assignments, as well as independent literature studies and processing of course content. The teaching is designed to promote active learning and shared responsibility for achieving the stated learning outcomes of the course and the programme as a whole. Throughout the course, learning activities include independent study, participation in seminars, oral presentations and written reflections, as well as peer feedback.

Examination form

2401: Learning Contract and Schedule, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Oral and Written Assignment

2502: Analysis - Practice‑Based Research, 6 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Oral and written assignment

2503: Research Plan or Research Article, 6 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Written assignment

2504: Own Research Identity, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Oral and written assignment

To be awarded the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) is required in examinations 2502 and 2503.

Link to subject‑specific grading criteria: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

If a student has a certificate from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding pedagogical support due to a disability, the examiner has the right to provide adapted examination arrangements for the student.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, etc., are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.