Course Description
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic types of research study designs (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods) through examples in engineering education. Students will learn to identify an educational problem in engineering education, pose a research question, and support the need for a study through literature review. Students will become familiar with how theories of learning and thinking are used to predict or explain research findings. This is a discussion-based course that leads to the production of five artifacts: IRB certification; research paper critiques focusing on quantitative and qualitative studies, and a research proposal with an IRB project application.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for graduate students interested in Engineering Education, in particular
- MS students who are considering a Ph.D. and might consider a PhD. in the field of engineering education
- PhD students who currently planning to do their dissertation work on an engineering education topic
- PhD students who are seeking faculty positions in the near future; this course will shed light on how Scholarship of Teaching and Learning can complement their technical research
Course Goals
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- engage in ethical conduct of engineering education research
- use appropriate library resources to locate relevant literature
- critically evaluate an engineering education study in terms of significance, purpose, research questions, and theoretical frameworks
- distinguish designs associated with various qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods
- pose a significant and well-framed engineering education study
More details at: http://cee.unl.edu