Qualitative Research in Education Course Description

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Qualitative Research in Education Course Description

EDLEAD/LLSS 605 is an intensive course in the use of field-based and general qualitative research methods in the social study of education. The aim of the course is to help participants acquire skill and gain experience in using a wide range of methodological and analytical research techniques. The emphasis of the course is on the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of qualitative data.

This course will provide experiences that will help you

extend your understanding of the theoretical and methodological traditions that guide contemporary qualitative research in education

learn how to engage in qualitative fieldwork and other data collection activities in an ethical and technically defensible manner

practice interviewing and field observation techniques

learn a variety of strategies for analyzing and interpreting qualitative data

think creatively and collaboratively about qualitative research design and analysis issues

critically examine your own personal and professional values as an aspect of your work as an educational researcher

develop basic skills in the application of advanced information technologies for information gathering and analysis

Course Prerequisites

This course is intended only for students who have completed at least one "conceptual" course related to qualitative research. Examples of such courses include Naturalistic Inquiry (LLSS 502), Education and Anthropology (LLSS 522), Ethnographic Research in the Classroom (LLSS 623), and field research, case study research or qualitative evaluation courses offered by other programs and departments. In other words, you should already have acquired a basic understanding of the aims and underlying assumptions associated with qualitative research before taking 605. It is also helpful for students to have acquired some knowledge of "quantitative" research methods before taking this course. I have found that students who have taken an introduction to statistics or general research design are better able to understand the similarities and differences between qualitative and other research strategies.

Last update: August 7, 2003.

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