Research Methods in Education a.y. 2025-2026 – Corso di laurea magistrale in Scienze pedagogiche

CFU: 6
Course code: 804002804
SSD: PAED-02/B
Master’s Degree: Scienze pedagogiche
Language: Italian

Course delivery modalities: In-presence/on-line learning
Period: I semestre
Attendance: Optional
Assessment method: Oral examination

Pre-requisites:
Degree L-19 or basic knowledge of research methodology in education

Program:
The course explores the main empirical-experimental research methods in education and related data collection and analysis techniques. The first part of the programme (16 hours) is devoted to the research paradigms, the ethical issues of educational research, the elements of the research design and the quantitative, quantitative and mixed methods of empirical investigation. The second part of the lectures (14 hours) focuses on critical discourse analysis, a qualitative method of socio-semiotic analysis applicable to the study of education policies, curricula, processes of teaching and learning processes and literacy practices.

Program:

The course explores the main empirical-experimental research methods in education and related data collection and analysis techniques.
The first part of the programme (16 hours) is devoted to the research paradigms, the ethical issues of educational research, the elements of the research design and the quantitative, quantitative and mixed methods of empirical investigation. The second part of the lectures (14 hours) focuses on critical discourse analysis, a qualitative method of socio-semiotic analysis applicable to the study of education policies, curricula, processes of teaching and learning processes and literacy practices.

Text books:
– Mortari, L. & Ghirotto, L. (2019). Metodi per la ricerca educativa (eng: Research methods for the educational research). Carocci. – Fabbro, F. (2024). L’analisi critica del discorso per la ricerca educativa (eng: Critical Discourse Analysis for the Educational Research). Carocci. – Teaching resources available in the e-learning platform.

Bibliography:

Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course deepens the main empirical-experimental research methods in education and the related data collection and analysis techniques. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Knowing and understanding of the theoretical foundations and specific terminology of empirical-experimental research in education; Knowing and understanding of the purposes and characteristics of critical discourse analysis; APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Reading and interpreting the results of empirical-experimental research in education; MAKING JUDGEMENTS: Distinguishing the different methods of empirical-experimental research and being able to recognize their respective strengths and weaknesses; COMMUNICATION SKILLS: To be able to use discipline-specific terminology to write the thesis and communicate the results of educational research LEARNING SKILLS: Acquire methods of professional updating and documentation/analysis of educational practices

Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course deepens the main empirical-experimental research methods in education and the related data collection and analysis techniques.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Knowing and understanding of the theoretical foundations and specific terminology of empirical-experimental research in education;
Knowing and understanding of the purposes and characteristics of critical discourse analysis;
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Reading and interpreting the results of empirical-experimental research in education;
MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
Distinguishing the different methods of empirical-experimental research and being able to recognize their respective strengths and weaknesses;
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
To be able to use discipline-specific terminology to write the thesis and communicate the results of educational research
LEARNING SKILLS:
Acquire methods of professional updating and documentation/analysis of educational practices

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:
The oral examination aims at assessing the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:

The oral examination aims at assessing the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills).
The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking.
The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
– Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
– 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language.
– 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical.
– 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical.
– 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language.
30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Attendance modalities:
The course is delivered in a blended mode, although mainly face-to-face. Face-to-face activities include lectures, exercises and group discussions. Distance learning activities consists of video-lectures and case studies. Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended.