Research Component

It is important to understand the objectives for reading the assigned articles within each course. It is also important to look at articles/videos from an objective and professional viewpoint.

The first step should be to ask yourself, is the scope of the research appropriate, and are the objectives of the research clearly stated?

Next, look at the methodology. Can you identify a control within the study? Determine if it is an experimental or qualitative research design. Are the research design and methods used within the paper acceptable?

Does the research advance the field of study for which it is intended? Does the presentation of the research meet the minimum qualities that one would expect for legitimate research?

Your response (discussion postings) to the assigned articles is the way in which the instructor will gauge your understanding of the topics contained within this course. When responding (posting) to the assigned articles/videos, please use a researched based reasoning methodology that includes analyzing, arguing, comparing, and evaluating.

Analyze- Look for the how and why and also look for examples such as cause and effect. Look for assumptions made within the context of the writings and question their validity. Attempt to identify underlying meanings and explain them.

Argue- Discourse, agree or disagree with the author, or with the opinions of others. Be sure to include evidence supporting your stance. Do not be afraid to challenge the stance of the author.

Compare- Look for comparisons that include both similarities and differences.

Evaluate- Attempt to establish an opinion based clearly on supporting evidence. It is important to express this evidence within your statements, in other words be able to backup your statements with evidence.

Research-Based

The term “research-based” is used to show that a particular program, methodology, or procedure has empirical evidence to verify or refute its use within an educational setting. In this definition, empirical indicates that the research is verified or refuted based on the opinion of experienced/qualified practitioners. Evidence is based on data gathered through observations, pretests/post-tests, control and experimental groups, and other bona fide research methods. The empirical evidence should be able to withstand scrutiny from a legitimate peer review before it is used within an educational setting.