EDM072: English and Language: Study Skills and Research Methods

Module Provider:

Institute of Education

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

M

Terms in which taught:

Module Convenor:

Prof BJ Richards

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
The intention of this module is to provide a foundation of master’s level skills and knowledge for students whose first language is not English in order to facilitate their progress through the English and Language in Education course. While the content of the module will be M level, it will also act as a vehicle to develop essential English language skills, specialist linguistic terminology, and research knowledge and skills relevant to the study of English and language in education.

Assessable learning outcomes:
In relation to the study of English Language and Education, by the end of the module students will be able to:

1. understand and refer to essential linguistic terminology and concepts, i.e. use the appropriate metalanguage;
2. discuss features of the English language and its varieties;
3. conduct a literature search;
4. understand and apply the conventions of academic writing;
5. develop skills in reading original research reports;
6. critically evaluate their reading in terms of the quality of argumentation and evidence versus opinion;
7. understand common approaches to investigating language and language learning;
8. apply basic qualitative and quantitative research techniques;
9. investigate a single, simple research question and report the findings orally and in writing.

Additional outcomes:
The improvement of listening and speaking skills through interaction with tutors and fellow students. Through a positive learning environment, the development of confidence to participate actively in modules across the master’s programme.

Outline content:
1. theoretical introduction to the English Language (including language typology, word classes, origins and varieties; introduction to resources such as language corpora);
2. comparative/cross-linguistic perspectives (drawing on students' own languages and language learning);
3. conducting a literature search;
4. reading research papers (graded examples; note-taking and record-keeping, critical evaluation, evidence versus opinion);
5. general introduction to research paradigms;
6. basic research design;
7. quantitative research workshop (practical);
8. qualitative research workshop (practical);
9. academic writing (essays, dissertation; referencing and academic conventions);
10. presentation skills.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework

Two short assignments to be completed in the students’ own time (2,500 words each, or equivalent taking tables and figures into consideration).

The first will be based on reading (e.g. a critical analysis of three research papers) and will be submitted by the end of week 5.

The second will be a piece of empirical research (e.g. administering grammaticality judgement tasks to learners of English and native speakers) to be written up following the conventions of a research paper. This will be submitted one month after the final session, but will have been the subject of a formal presentation to the group in the final session.

1. The function of the first written assignment is diagnostic and formative. Feedback will be provided. Every attempt will be made to ensure a quick turnaround.
2. The function of the presentation is diagnostic, formative and summative.
3. The function of the second written assignment is summative. Formative feedback will also be provided.

The final assessment for the module will therefore be a combination of 2. and 3.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy

Examinations: None

Requirements for a pass
Students must achieve 50%

Reassessment arrangements: resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure