SYLLABUS
WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Division of Education
Virtual Campus
2.
Wayland Baptist University Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate
students in an academically challenging, learning focused, and distinctively Christian environment
for professional success and service to God and humankind
.
3. Course Name and Title: EDUC 5302 – Research Methods in Education
4. Term and Year: Fall Semester: November 10, 2014 – February 14, 2015
5. INSTRUCTOR’S NAME: Dr. Nichodemus O. Ejimabo,
Associate Professor of Business and Education
6. OFFICE ADDRESS:
Phone:
Cell:
Email Address:
Wayland Baptist University- Fairbanks Campus
2623 Wabash Avenue, Suite 109
Eielson, AFB, AK 99702-1715
(907) 459-2805
(512)-589-9532
ejimabon@wbu.edu
7. Office Hours, Building and Location: Monday & Thursday1pm – 6pm and (Friday – Saturday
Online 9am – 9pm).
8. Class Meeting: This is an internet based class and does not have designated meeting times.
Assignments are presented in weekly sessions and are due as noted on the course calendar, and
syllabus. Access to class materials is provided via Blackboard using Student login and password.
9. Catalog Description: The Course: EDUC 5302 - Research Methods in Education deals with
the development of research skills appropriate for educational and instructional settings. It
provides instruction for students to learn how to formulate research topics, conduct effective
research, and write an in-depth, research-based paper which marshals support from primary and
secondary sources. It is a graduate level course in the School of Education that: - allows students
the ability to examine the fundamental issues of research with reference to determining how to
approach a project and understanding what constitutes data and how to analyze them from
quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method paradigm. It is also focused on understanding the
different styles, models, paradigms, planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and
qualitative research in educational and organizational settings.
____________________________________________________________________________
1
Note: This course is part of the professional studies core in the Master of Education program. It is designed to
prepare students to know and understand the basic principles of research; demonstrate comprehension of published
research as successful consumers of research; and construct short assignments to demonstrate skills needed for
research. This course is intended to lead students to the capstone course (EDUC 5366) in which students complete
an assigned research project. Specific areas of study include:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Introduction to Educational Research – Processes and Approaches (Qualitative and Quantitative)
The Steps in the Process of Research – Identifying a Problem, Reviewing the Literature, Specifying a
Purpose, Collecting Data, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, and Reporting and Evaluating Research
Various Research Designs – Traditional Frameworks and their Components
Basic Principles of Citation using APA Format – Preparing a list of References, Citing Sources,
Following the format for Manuscript Preparation
10. Prerequisite: This course should be taken near the end of the program.
11. Required Textbook and Resources:
1. Creswell, J. C. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and
qualitative research (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. [ISBN-13: 9780131367395]
2. American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th Ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. [ISBN-10: 1-4338-0561-8]
Access to the internet on a regular basis is a requirement for this course; we will use Blackboard as the
learning system. All class discussions take place via the Discussion board. All class materials are
distributed online, and all assignments are located online.
Access to WBU Learning Resources www.wbu.edu/lrc
13. Course Outcome Competencies: Upon the conclusion of this course, students will be able
to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students will examine approaches to research including quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed methods.
Students will interpret and evaluate research to become successful readers and consumers
of research.
Students should be able to determine and operationally define the basic aspects of the
research process including identifying research problems; reviewing literature; specifying
purposes for studies; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and evaluating and
reporting the results of a study.
Students will construct and implement short assignments to demonstrate the basic
research skills.
Students will demonstrate proficiency using APA format.
MEANS FOR ASSESSING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OUTCOME
COMPETENCIES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Discussion Boards (weekly)
Journal Article Deconstructions
APA Format Test
Research Design Analysis
Short Assignments Demonstrating Skills
2
14. Attendance Requirements: As stated in the Wayland Catalog, students enrolled at one of
the University’s external campuses should make every effort to attend all class meetings. All
absences must be explained to the instructor, who will then determine whether the omitted work
may be made up. When a student reaches that number of absences considered by the instructor
to be excessive, the instructor will so advise the student and file an unsatisfactory progress report
with the campus executive director. Any student who misses 25 percent or more of the regularly
scheduled class meetings will receive a grade of F in the course. Additional attendance policies
for each course, as defined by the instructor in the course syllabus, are considered a part of the
University’s attendance policy.
Additional Attendance requirement: Excessive late arrivals or early departures will be taken
into consideration. Material will be discussed in class and included in the exams that are not in
the book. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any material missed by not attending class
for any reason. The student must not miss any more than 25% of the class. Any more misses may
result in failure of the class. In case of TDY’s the instructor should be notified as soon as
possible.
15. Disability Statement: “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a
disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of
Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be
contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291- 3765. Documentation of a
disability must accompany any request for accommodations.”
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: Students are responsible for reading, understanding, obeying,
and respecting all academic policies, with added emphasis being placed upon academic progress
policies, appearing in the Wayland Baptist University Academic Catalog applicable to their
curriculum and/or program of study.
16. Course Requirements:
Because the university classroom is a place designed for the free exchange of ideas, we must
show respect for one another in all circumstances. We will show respect for one another by
exhibiting civility in our exchanges. Additionally, because it is so important for teachers to
effectively communicate ideas to colleagues, parents, and administrators, writing clear and errorfree English is a priority at Wayland School of Education. Therefore, your ability to express your
knowledge of educational concepts and theories within the conventions of academic discourse
will be assessed through both presentations and written assignments. Criteria for evaluation will
be based on both content and mechanics. Integration of information from lectures, readings, and
discussions will be taken into consideration as will correct and appropriate format and
construction.
1. Students will complete all assigned readings and assignments promptly. This course is
designed to be completed during an 11-week term with assignments due each week. Under NO
CIRCUMSTANCES will I accept the entire semester’s work during the last week or during the
last day of class (any late work will receive point deductions). Assignments and examinations
may become unavailable once the deadline for completion has passed. In the event you
encounter special circumstances (including technology challenges), contact me immediately for
instructions or assistance.
3
2. All assignments must be word processed and submitted in accordance with due dates on the
course calendar. Assignments not completed on time may reflect a lowered grade of 10%
deduction per day minimum. Late work will not be accepted after 7 calendar days; late work for
discussion board entries will not be accepted at all.
3. Weekly online discussion board interactions will allow dialogue among class members and
provide opportunities for discussion among those persons who may exhibit a different
perspective from your own. You are required to consider these perspectives and respond in an
appropriate professional manner. There will be no tolerance for inappropriate responses
including, but not limited to, vulgar or inappropriate language, name-calling, or demonstrations
of anger. Students will post an answer to the question or comment and respond to two (2) others.
Posting and responses must be completed at the appointed time to ensure interaction with other
students and will not be accepted late.
4. Students will prepare written assignments to include deconstruction of journal articles,
analysis of a research design, and various short assignments during the course.
COURSE GRADING CRITERIA: All assignments are due as noted on course calendar unless
otherwise announced in class. All assigned work must be word processed. Assignments not
completed on time will reflect a lowered grade of 10% deduction per day minimum. Late work
will not be accepted after 7 calendar days.
Assignments
Chapter Readings & Discussion Questions
Blackboard Discussions
Topic & Outline
3 General Research References
5 References on Topic
Abstract
Completed Sections 1 (Introduction) and 2
(Literature Review)
Section 3 – Methods Proposal & Updated
References
Final Completed Paper
PPT Slides Presentation
Attendance & participation
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS
Possible Points
Points
Earned
5 @ 40 points each
200
10 @ each
100
1
3 @ 10 each
5 @ 10 each
1
2 @ 50
50
30
50
20
100
1
100
1
200
50
100
1000
Note: Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the requirements covered in this
Syllabus and in class. Students who are underperforming or who believe they need additional
help are to inform the instructor or dean immediately.
17. This course outline serves merely as the anticipated roadmap I hope to use during this 11
weeks program. However, due to circumstances and the dynamic nature of this course, there may
be some changes in the schedule. During such situations, you will be advised and changes will be
4
discussed and noted accordingly. The dates and weeks listed below are the dates by which the
course materials are expected to have been read.
Course Calendar
Tentative Course Outline—I reserve the right to amend the tentative course outline as needed during the course.‫٭‬
Date/Week
Classwork
Reading Assignment
Nov. 10 -15
Creswell Ch.1
Nov. 17 -22
Introduction/ Overview;
Approaches to Research
Deconstruction of Research Articles
Holidays:
Thanksgiving – Nov. 24 -29
Dec. 1- 6
Identifying a Research Problem
Dec. 8- 13
Reviewing the Literature
Dec. 15 -22
Specifying a Purpose
Holidays:
Christmas – Dec 22 - Jan 2, 2015
Jan. 5- 10
Jan. 12- 17
Collecting and Analyzing Quantitative Data;
Reference Examples & Publication Process
(APA)
Collecting and Analyzing Qualitative Data
Jan. 19- 24
Reporting and Evaluating Research
Jan. 26- 31
Research Designs
Feb. 2 - 7
Complete Papers & Submit
Feb. 9 - 14
PPT Presentation
APA-Introduction & Ch.
1
Products Due
Next Session
Discussion Board
1
Discussion Board
2
Creswell Ch. 2
APA- Ch. 2
Creswell Ch. 3
APA – Ch. 3
Creswell Ch. 4
APA- Ch. 4
DB 3
Creswell Ch. 5-6
APA – Ch. 5-6
DB 6
Creswell Ch. 7-8
APA 7-8
Creswell Ch. 9
DB 7
One from Creswell Ch.
10-17
(assigned chapter)
Submission of the main
paper.
DB 9
DB 4
DB 5
DB 8
Research paper
due
PPT Slides
Presentation due
Course Evaluation
Note: The Instructor or the dean reserves the right to change the syllabus.
18. Grading Schema/Scale:
A = 90-100%,
D = 60-69%
B = 80-89%,
F = 59 and below
C = 70-79%,
I = Incomplete
Other Rubrics will to be discussed in the Course Content for more clarity.
Note: All assignments will have due dates and late penalties. Failure to submit assignments on
time will result in the reduction of your grade by 10 points per 24-hour period following the due
date.
20. ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Readings: Assigned readings are to be
completed prior to the class session for which they are assigned.
5
21. POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The University proudly adheres to high
standards of intellectual, moral, ethical, and spiritual values. It entrusts each student with the
solemn obligation of preserving these standards. In light of revelation, reason, and custom of the
Christian community from which the University has grown, personal integrity in keeping with
New Testament standards is expected of all students. Academic dishonesty, including cheating
and plagiarism, may be grounds for disciplinary action by the University and, at minimum, will
result in a grade of zero /F on that project.
22. Format of Course deliverables
All course assignment must be submitted in the class. All course deliverables must be
constructed in Times New Roman, 12pt font, double spaced, and submitted in Microsoft Word
format. The use of APA format prescribed in the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association 6th Edition is encouraged.
6