Syllabus

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

EDU 802 Qualitative Research Methods (Summer 2018)

Credits - 3

Description

Qualitative research provides field-focused, interpretative, detailed descriptions of participants and their settings. Students identify and implement research methods, developing a set of skills to critically observe individuals and communities, interview participants, and examine artifacts typically used in qualitative studies. Examination of one’s role within the research setting is informed by engaging in critical reflection. Students evaluate qualitative methods that align with their proposed research study purpose.

Course Objectives

Examine the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research methods, modes of problem conceptualization, and research design. Conduct initial data collection, data analysis, and presentations of findings. Identify the central tenets of qualitative research, potential research questions, and pertinent scholarship on a variety of qualitative approaches. Use qualitative analysis in the process of transforming your organization and consider the use of qualitative approaches for future research.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate values and beliefs about qualitative research approaches through systematic inquiry and critical reflection.
2. Design, justify, and pilot research questions to inform interview and focus group inquiry.
3. Describe field-based qualitative data collection processes and personal experiences that inform a focused inquiry and leading organizational change.
4. Use peer review and advice, coaching and critique to improve and refine research skills
5. Apply critical reflection strategies to explore both the self as researcher and one’s relationship to a site of study.
6. Critique and select qualitative research methodologies to align with proposed studies.
7. Define and justify preferred methods of data collection and analyses in relation to a proposed research study.

Assignments

Whole Class and Small Group Discussion Boards

Students will be required to respond to prompts related to course materials and engage with colleagues in the course with responses to classmates’ posts to support understanding and the co-construction of knowledge. For initial discussion posts, please limit the word count to fewer than 750 words; for follow-up responses, the limit is 500 words.

Interview Protocol

Design an interview questionnaire/guide.

Structured Abstract and Peer Reviews

In this course, you will be drafting a structured abstract for your Qualitative Study Written Report final assignment. The first part of the Report is the Abstract.

Your Structured Abstract should be between 200-400 words and should include all of these components: Background/Context; Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study; Setting; Participants; Research Design; Data Collection and Analysis; Findings; and Conclusions.

Final Report

Write the report in 2,000 words or less (including references page, tables, charts, etc.) following APA format and including the following elements:

• Title
• Structured Abstract
• Objective or purposes
• Research methods, design & techniques
• Findings and conclusions

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

ASSIGNMENTS	POINTS
Purpose Statement	10
Interactive Postings	30
Interview Protocol	10
Final Report	40
Peer Review of Structured Abstract Draft	10
TOTAL	100

Grading

The criteria for all courses in the Ed. D. program are described in the modules and/or rubrics. Assignments will include guidelines with rubrics, descriptions of expectations, or examples, and include point values. Coursework will be assessed and graded using individual evaluation protocols that are provided for the three major assignments. Final “grades” will reflect the following schema:

• High Pass (HP): Work that exceeds all or most of the criteria of the respective assignment. To receive a high pass the work must demonstrate exceptional command and display of all or most required elements (95 – 100);
• Pass (P): Work that meets all requirements and expectations as specified in assignments, and is fully satisfactory in every respect (80 – 94);
• Low Pass (LP): Work is deemed unsatisfactory (70 – 79).

Note** The instructor will determine if an assignment may be revised and resubmitted for rescoring. Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one LP grade, and although there is no failing grade, a second LP course grade results in termination from the doctoral program.

All assignments are to be completed in a timely manner with appropriate accuracy, detail, thought and reflection fitting of doctoral-level degree candidates. All assignments (done in writing or with other media applications) are graded on the basis of faculty assessment of your ability to accurately apply concepts from readings, organization, and mechanics. Please note that you must save all submitted documents in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint in order for them to transmit successfully. All work must be properly identified and include author(s)’ name(s). Submit all written work in APA style (Refer to the APA Publication Manual for guidance; Purdue OWL is an excellent, user-friendly resource).