A practitioner enquiry research project for those completing the Diploma in Inclusive Education research, policy and practice.

Day course: Two days in October; two days in November; two days in February; 1 day in March; 1 day in May

Evening course: Two full Saturdays, 10 evenings x 2.5 hrs

Distance course: two full Saturdays plus study online.

Written assignment 8000 words in length.

The course will provide participants with the knowledge, skills and critical perspectives to enable them to develop their own understanding of the policies and issues encompassed in the key national policies in Scotland in relation to inclusive education. It will provide support for enhanced classroom and school practice through the development of a school-based initative. The introductory part of the course will consider aspects of research design and methodology. The following areas of content are addressed:

■ The nature of practitioner enquiry 

■ Searching and reviewing literature

■ The development of a research proposal

■ Data collection and analysis

■ Ethical issues

■ Application for ethical approval

By the end of this course, the candidates will be able to:

LO 1 Identify and critically analyse a range of appropriate literature in a chosen field

LO 2 Develop appropriate research questions arising from the literature

LO 3 Reflect critically upon research design and methodology as is relates to education and their own research

LO 4 Critically analyse data to further understanding of the area of research

LO 5 Reflect on the implications of findings for future developments

LO 6 Understand the conventions involved in reporting research findings

LO7 Demonstrate a professional quality of written communication in the assignment, keeping within the word limit and including referencing and bibliography in accordance with programme guidelines

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. None