Theories of Science and Research Methodology for subject didactics in KRLE

This course focuses on theories of science and different research methodologies and their suitability under different circumstances. Different research paradigms and the connection between theory and the choice of research methods will be discussed. Students receive training and practice in the use of various quantitative and qualitative research methods, source-critical methods included. While taking the course, the students will be starting their own research projects. Work on developing their research questions, relevant theories and methods, and assistance in detecting and solving (research) ethical challenges for their own projects will be central to the course. We will also discuss how to compose a scientific text with precise representations and correct references.

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge about CREE-relevant research and theory and scientific thinking, research methods and ethics
• has in-depth knowledge of relevant research paradigms and connections between ontological and epistemological positions and choice of research approaches
• has in-depth knowledge of characteristics of different research designs and methodologies (methods)
• has in-depth knowledge of the different ways of collecting and analysing data
• has advanced knowledge of privacy and research ethics guidelines
• has advanced knowledge of how scientific subject matter from own research is presented

Skills

The student

• is capable of analysing and taking a critical stance to national and international research and applying this knowledge in the profession
• is capable, under supervision, of formulating research questions relevant to CREE didactics
• is capable of developing their own research project/empirical investigation
• is capable of making informed choices of research methods/methods for collecting data and analysing data
• can assess whether the project needs approval from NSD and in collaboration with the supervisor apply for this if required.
• is capable of analysing and taking a critical stance to sources of knowledge (research and data) and applying them to structure and formulate academic arguments

General competetence

The student

• is capable of analysing relevant academic and ethical issues related to teaching CREE in school
• is capable of disseminating and communicating academic issues based on independent research and master the language and genres of CREE-didactics
• is capable of contributing to development work that promotes new academic and pedagogical thinking related to the CREE-subject at school
• is capable of explaining and reason about methodological choices related to the focus of a study

The teaching in the course is organized in lectures and seminars.The learning activities will vary between lectures, collaborative and individual work, discussions, and student presentations. Discussions and other academic cooperation, such as responding to fellow students work, are important ways of working and learning in the course, and it is expected that all students participate in such activities. Between the seminars the students are expected to read and work on tasks related to preparing their own masters theses.