Research methods in teaching and learning in higher education

The course can be taken as a freestanding course.

The course can be included in a master's degree in higher education pedagogy.

Admission to the course requires awarded bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or equivalent degree. Furthermore, the student must demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent English 6 (Swedish upper secondary school level) or English level 2 or equivalent from an internationally recognized test for example TOEFL, IETLS.

The purpose of the course is to introduce relevant methodological approaches in the field of higher education research in terms of both their possibilities and limitations. The aim is to develop understanding of and skills in how research in the field of higher education can be formulated, planned, carried out and evaluated. Furthermore, the course addresses qualitative and quantitative methods for production and analysis of data. The course covers different quality criteria including validity and reliability; research-ethical guidelines and problems; and, principles of choice of research methodology.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis and the kind of knowledge they produce
• demonstrate how ontological and epistemological assumptions influence research and methodological choices

Competence and skills

• formulate a coherent research proposal, with well delimited research questions, and a research problem with relevance for research on learning and teching in higher education. 
• explain and motivate how theory underpins and is operationalized in a coherent research design. 
• describe and motivate the application of methods for data collection and analysis

Judgement and approach

• critically reflect on key considerations and dilemmas concerning different methodological choices
• identify and critically reflect on ethical considerations in relatoion to research design

Lectures, workshops and seminars.

Language of instruction: English

The course includes the following examining assignments

1. Oral course assignment, 5 credits, grades Pass (G) or Fail (U).
2. Written course assignment including a critical review and discussion of another students written assignment, 10 credits, grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U).

If a student who has failed twice on the same examination wishes to change examiner before the next examination, such a request should be submitted in writing to the department and must be approved unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If the student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special pedagogical support, the examiner may, in the event that it is compatible with the objectives of the course and provided that not unreasonable resources are required, decide to give the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination.

In case that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, the student shall be guaranteed access to at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination opportunity) during a period of at least one year, but at the most two years after the course has ceased or undergone major changes. Regarding internship and placements, the equivalent applies but limited to only one additional examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is
 entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Pass with distinction (VG) requires Pass on the oral assignment, 5 credits and Pass with distinction (VG) on the written course assignment, 10 credits.

Course evaluation is performed in relation to the course's intended learning outcomes and content and is implemented at the end of the course through an individual written questionnaire on University of Gothenburg's virtual learning environment.

The result and potential changes in the course content are communicated to the students who carried out the course evaluation and to the students who will start the following course.

The course is fully online.

Access to an internet connection is required to complete the course.