Module Descriptors

Core Modules

Research Methods

The module develops students’ ability to conduct research related to their field of study and prepares them to successfully conduct research projects. Students will learn to evaluate and critique academic journal articles, and conduct a comprehensive systematic review in a specific field of study. The module considers sampling and sampling methods, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods. It also considers descriptive and inferential statistics and sheds light on data analysis through the lens of structural equation modelling (SEM).

Advanced Foundations of Education

This module focuses on providing students with advanced knowledge on educational foundations and development of understanding of connection to pedagogical, curricular and management application locally and internationally. Main foundations include, social, scientific, psychological, cultural, political, economic. Their education relevance to different fields of education will be established by the instructor and students own interest – science, TESOL, inclusive education, management & leadership, ICT, psychology.

Assessment and Learning

This module covers the principles, concepts and theories of human learning psychology in detail with emphasis on cognitive approaches, their interpretation of how learning occurs and what is required to orient teaching to respond to the nature of learning. Specific aspects of learning language, mathematics, science, leadership and special education are explored. The main concepts, principles, methods and controversies concerning the measurement of student learning are also examined including how the statistical tools and procedures are applied in testing and assessment in different subject disciplines.

Educational Policy: Theory and Practice

This module introduces educators, educational policy-makers and leaders to critical thinking about the art and processes of educational policy-making through the study of theories, research and experiences of others, as well as through reflecting on their own perspectives and beliefs about policy-making and implementation. Learners will understand educational policy-making and implementation from philosophical and practical perspectives and will be able to articulate and reflect on their own beliefs about educational policy-making and implementation.

Curriculum and Innovation

This module examines curriculum and innovation, including developing concepts, research methods, analytic and evaluative methods and techniques, and policy issues. Curriculum analysis, design and development models and approaches are explored and practical exercises in curriculum development are undertaken. The module examines theories and models of innovation and analyses innovation strategies in various cases (charter schools, cooperative learning, teacher certification). The module considers designs to confront and resolve barriers to innovation. Materials development, subsequent implementation and impact evaluation are included as well.

Latest Trends and Issues in Education

This module provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the emerging trends in education – from the perspective of classroom practitioners and researchers. The module will introduce students to critical aspects of conducting research in education and key issues in leadership, science, special inclusive education, ICT and TESOL and provide appropriate techniques to conduct research in these areas and to manage successful interaction and classroom development.

Inclusion Diversity and Equity in Educational Studies

This module develops students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills while providing them with a deep understanding of issues related to inclusivity in different educational settings. It covers diversity that goes beyond abilities and race, as well as issues related to equity in education. The module enables students to become familiar with issues such as strategic direction, identification and evidence of efficacy in diverse settings, as well as related issues of social settings and equity in inclusive settings.

Applied Investigative Techniques in Education

This module aims to provide students with discourse and integrative skills in emerging issues and perspectives in education. It allows students to connect this discourse to their research areas of interest. Major aspects of education research methodology will be linked to different research issues. Students will be able to develop their own research topics and develop the ability to integrate different academic disciplines and issues, and to identify key references and appropriate methods in a coherent educational research paper.

 

Electives:

Current Issues in Psycholinguistics and Language

The module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on and re-assess a wide range of recent and traditional theories and approaches in psycholinguistics, such as task-based approaches, and communicative approaches. Students will critically examine such methods from the point of view of recent psycholinguistic and applied frameworks with specific reference to research into learning different contexts. Thus, the module examines the psychological and psycholinguistic processes underpinning different approaches to language acquisition. In this module, theories of behaviour and of learning will be also examined and critically analysed.

Theory and Practice of Leadership in Education

This module covers the basic theories and models of leadership as they apply to educational settings. This includes examining the forms it takes, its social, cultural and political dimensions, the role of personality and character, the ethics of leadership, and the effects of these factors on educational professionalism, programmes, and practices. Also covered are problems in leadership, the impact of globalization, identity formation and nationalism, multicultural tensions, and issues of ethnicity, race, and gender. In addition, the module will cover empirical research studies and research methods for leadership in international, regional and local contexts.

Reading STEM Education

This module provides discourse and issues of the interdisciplinary connections among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and related fields and practices. Innovation, AI, art, and higher order thinking also remain tightly coupled with STEM education and practices. Additionally, AI, art, and entrepreneurship are promised to transform our knowledge, economy, and employment in the 21st century just as science and technology did in the last century. Therefore, this module discusses the connection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) that forms the scientific endeavour and development that makes it so successful.

Managing Technology in Education

The organisation, development and implementation of ICT in education is examined in detail developing concepts, research methods, analytic and evaluative methods and techniques and policy issues to achieve an in-depth conceptualization of the field, and a fundamental understanding of the role of policy in ICT provision. Designs to confront and resolve barriers to innovation are considered. Materials development and subsequent implementation and impact evaluation upon teaching and learning practices as well as practical issues concerning policy development will be examined.

Education of Children with Exceptional Learning Needs

The module will introduce core concepts related to education of children with exceptional learning needs and the general issues involved in their education in and outside of inclusive settings. Students will explore issues which are relevant to their thesis area through small group/individual tutorials which will include the presentation and development of educational plans supported by related literature.

Thesis

This element of the programme comprises the planning, development, and submission of a doctoral research thesis of 60000-80000 words for the PhD thesis, or 50000 to 60000 for the EdD thesis.

It is an individual research work conducted under the supervision of a Director of Studies (DoS) and a Second Supervisor (SS), as needed. Publication of results from this research in a scientific journal(s) and/or conference(s) is expected and is highly encouraged.

The PhD in Education thesis will focus on a specific and recent research area within the field of Education. The PhD thesis is expected to make a distinct and original contribution to the knowledge of the topic addressed.

The EdD thesis will emphasise real-world applications and practical implications within the chosen field of study. This research endeavour aims to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experiences to address contemporary challenges and issues.

The British University in Dubai

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Tel: +971 4 279 1400

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