Educational Research Design Module (Week 6)
The following is a reflection on the week immediately after the class that took place on 23rd May 2017 using Gibbs Reflective Cycle.
Description
THIS WEEK: Data Collection (Home)
The broad area / theme of my research topic is adaptive learning / personalisation.
My current research question is:
“How can a domain model for adaptive learning in secondary school mathematics be evaluated?
My current research title is:
“The Design and Evaluation of a Domain Model for Adaptive Learning in Secondary School Mathematics (Functions at Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level )”
In relation to methodology, I reduced the number of choices available to me by eliminating the following methodologies: experimental and quasi-experimental research, phenomenological research, action research, heuristic inquiry, grounded theory and ethnography. (Gray, 2013).
I propose to take two different methodological approaches: analytical survey and case study. Epistemologically speaking, the former is underpinned by an objectivist approach and the latter by a constructivist approach. (Gray, 2013). (Note: After Padraig McDonagh’s talk, perhaps I will call my methodology post-positivist). Methodologies can be classified according to their purpose as well as by their approach. According to Robson (2002), there are three possible forms of study: exploratory, descriptive and explanatory with Maxwell (1996) adding interpretive to this list. The case study component of my research will be an interpretive study seeking to explore teachers’ and text book authors’ views on why learning topics should be sequenced in a particular way. The analytical survey will seek to find out how these topics are actually sequenced by teachers in class (scheme of work/lesson plans) and by authors in textbooks (chapters/topics).
I plan to take a mixed methods approach by doing an analytical survey and by conducting interviews. The analytical survey will be cross-sectional rather than longitudinal.
How do you plan to find the answer? i.e. What methods will you use?
What areas of your research proposal do you still need to develop?