Activity 1 - Discussion about the course

The following has been given as a tutorial activity in my online E891 tutor group, so I thought I'd rough out some of my ideas here.

Enjoy my random thought processes...


Think about these three questions and post a short statement in response (about 100 words for each question).

1. What is Educational enquiry?

My first response to the above is to break it down into the two component parts and then see how they fit back together. 

The 'Educational' bit obviously is there as a descriptive word and is being applied to the word 'Enquiry'. If we're focusing on enquiry about education, then it suggests that it's the field of education and also the process / act of educating / being educated which is under investiation. Possibly also coming under this umbrella would be theories and / or models of education which exist in a variety of contexts - directly educational and indirectly educational. The 'Enquiry' element brings to mind investigation, asking questions, researching, looking deeper and creating / developing understanding. Reflective understanding of experiences are also relevant here, I would imagine and this further extends the definition of what might be considered educational.

So, a very basic answer to 'What is Educational enquiry' is that it is the investigation into different forms of educational experience and practice in formal and informal contexts using a variety of different methods. Educational enquiry will be informed by case studies, experience, relevant literature and other forms of research.  In order to generate understanding, critical analysis and review needs to be carried out and from there conclusions may be derived.


2. What constitutes a masters level understanding of Educational enquiry?

I think there are certain skills which need to be demonstrated.

An understanding of the theories and methodologies involved in research, the ability to conduct a review of literature.
An ability to research relevant sources and reference them correctly.
A thoroughness and accuracy in terms of writing
Independent thought which complements and develops the course material in a relevant context


3. How does one demonstrate a masters level understanding of Educational enquiry?

Ermmmm... not sure! I suppose completing the assignments is one way of demonstrating that understanding and having them assessed by a third party. I'm struggling to differentiate this question from the earlier one... I think maybe that's another skill that I'm lacking - being able to analyse and develop an answer accurately from the question given!