Fall 2006
Pittsburg State University
School of Education
Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies
Course Number: SSLS 891
Title: Methods of Research
Credit Hours: 3
Course Time Schedule: 5:00-8:00 Tuesday
Room: 310 Hughes Hall
Instructor: Dr. Richard P. Lipka
Office: 304 Hughes Hall
Office Phone:
620-235-4486
Fax:
620-235-4520
E-mail:
rplipka@pittstate.edu
Office Hours: Mon. 10-12, 1:30-2:30
Tues. 10-12
Wed. 10-12, 1:30-2:30
Thurs.10-11, 1:30-2:30
*Other times by appointment
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Methods and techniques of research, interpretation, evaluation, and use of
research. Emphasizes analysis of problems, section of topic and development of
a research plan.
II.
COURSE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
1. To differentiate between research and evaluation.
2. To describe the research process.
3. To identify potential design pitfalls in quasi-experimental and experimental
research.
4. To analyze a research plan with an eye to data analyses and results
interpretation.
III.
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
Required Text
LeTendre, B.G. and Lipka, R.P. (2000) An Elementary School Educator’s
Guide to Program Evaluation: Getting Answers to your Questions.
Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon. (Books will be distributed by the
instructor with a ten dollar cash donation to the SSLS student research
fund.)
In addition to the text book, numerous films, and videos will be utilized.
SSLS/ Lipka, Richard P./ Syllabi for all courses/ SSLS 891, Fall 2006
NOTE: FOR CITATIONS, REFERENCE AND OTHER MATTERS OF
STYLE, PLEASE USE THE FIFTH EDITION PUBLICATION MANUAL OF
THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, 2001.
IV.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Large group, small group and individualized instruction will characterize the
course. The 1-3-6 consensus building activity and jigsaw are the two most
utilized small group formats.
V.
EVALUATION
Course Requirement/ Grading
Grade of “D”
1. Attend and participate in class and class activities.
2. In groups of two you will be responsible for a one-hour presentation on your
selected tool. Note: Please endeavor to include as many “hands on”
opportunities as you can within your presentations.
Grade of “C”
1. Complete the “D” grade requirements.
2. Complete the survey research study (1) utilizing descriptive statistics.
Grade of “B”
1. Complete the “C” grade requirements.
2. Complete the structured abstract activity to be distributed during the first
class period.
Grade of “A”
1. Complete the “B” grade requirements.
2. Complete the major project (2).
VI.
(1)
COURSE CONTENT
Survey Research
A “hands-on” experience of collecting and analyzing data serves as the
motivation for this activity. Each student will:
1)
Construct a research question that can be addressed using a survey.
2)
Select and/or develop a survey instrument.
3)
Determine what type of data (e.g. Nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
each survey question will yield for analysis.
4)
Collect the data.
5)
Analyze the data using descriptive statistics.
6)
Provide results and implications.
Note: These six steps should be captured in a three to five page paper.
SSLS/ Lipka, Richard P./ Syllabi for all courses/ SSLS 891, Fall 2006
(2)
Major Project
A detailed body of work which reflects an analysis and synthesis of the entire course.
Choose one of the following:
1)
2)
3)
NOTE:
Design a study utilizing a descriptive/difference/relationship question up to the
point of the conduct of the study (In reality first three chapters). (NOTE: This
could be the lead in study to your masters, specialist or doctoral degree or
perhaps just good practice in setting up a study).
Design a complete evaluation study which reflects an actual need within your
professional work environment (e.g. evaluating your new reading program in the
primary grades, the new math courses in computers, the new health curriculum
on human sexuality, the developmental reading programs used with community
college students, etc.)
Complete the grant application from one of the numerous agencies or private
foundations. The focus of the grant would be to secure funds to improve your
teaching and/or administrating in a school or agency setting.
The written project proposal must be approved prior to be the
submission of your final paper and must be included with the submission
of your final paper.
ABSENTEEISM POLICY
IF for some reason you miss class, you will be required to complete the
process/ product undertaken in said class period. If replication is not possible, a
congruent activity, agreed upon by the student and instructor, must be completed.
SSLS/ Lipka, Richard P./ Syllabi for all courses/ SSLS 891, Fall 2006
VII.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
8/22/06
5:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
Lipka presentations (including video)
Form “tools” groups (hereafter referred to as “TG”
and begin work on presentations
8/29/06
5:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
Lipka presentations (including video)
Pupil-teacher planning time (hereafter referred to as
“P-T” and TG planning time
9/05/06
5:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
9/12/06
5:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
Lipka presentations (including video)
PT and TG planning time
9/19/06
5:00-8:00
Statistics Decision Tree Activity
9/26/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #3 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T planning time
10/03/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #4 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
10/10/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #5 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
10/17/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #7 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
10/24/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #8 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
10/31/06
NO formal class, library research period.
SSLS/ Lipka, Richard P./ Syllabi for all courses/ SSLS 891, Fall 2006
11/07/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #10 presentation
Lipka presentations (including video)
P-T and TG planning time
Tool #11 presentation
Lipka presentations
P-T and TG planning time
11/21/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #12 presentation
Lipka presentations/ video
P-T and TG planning time
11/28/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #13 presentation
Lipka presentations/ video
P-T and TG planning time
12/05/06
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
Tool #14 presentation
Lipka presentations/ video
LCEQ and records check
11/14/06
SSLS/ Lipka, Richard P./ Syllabi for all courses/ SSLS 891, Fall 2006