PHD904 Exploratory research approaches

Contents and structure

The course is an elective part of the Ph.D.-programme ‘Studies of Bildung and Pedagogical Practices’. It addresses various forms of data generation and experimental research approaches in educational practices. The need to supplement traditional descriptive and mapping studies with more exploratory research methods has increased in line with major societal changes. As society changes, the field of education must develop and adapt to meet new needs. Therefore, the course will delve into research approaches that explore the space for change, development, and innovation.

Through work on the course, students will develop critical and independent perspectives within exploratory research approaches closely linked to educational practices. Examples of such research approaches include arts-based research, a/r/tography, action research, and educational design research. In other words, the course encompasses research methods that involve creative work, experimental work, and work aimed at exploring and changing practices. Some of the challenges faced in such research include handling uncertainty and the unknown, dealing with unfamiliar collaborative constellations, managing complex situations, and engaging in processes that are difficult to foresee the end of. The course provides students with tools to theoretically anchor such challenges and reflect on the ethical and epistemological consequences of how they choose to handle them.

The course is adapted to the projects of the participating candidates and emphasizes the research methods that are most relevant to the student group participating in the course at any given time.

Learning Outcome

After completed course, the student has the following total learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student

• is at the forefront of knowledge in the formation practices of their specific field
• can assess the appropriateness and application of various exploratory research approaches relevant to didactic practices
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge through exploratory research methods and help develop the potential for applying such research methods in new contexts, with new theoretical approaches, new interpretation methods, or new forms of documentation

Skills

The student

• can formulate research questions, plan, and conduct research through exploratory research approaches
• can conduct research within exploratory research methods at a high international level
• can handle complex professional issues and challenge established knowledge and practices related to Bildung and educational practices within their own field

General Competence

The student

• can identify relevant ethical dilemmas related to exploratory research approaches and conduct their research with professional integrity
• can communicate exploratory research through recognized national and international channels
• can challenge established formation discourses through their own exploratory research

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The teaching in the course takes place as an intensive course for two weeks. Organised teaching is given through lectures, seminar, mentoring and workshops.

The students are expected to participate actively in the teaching activities.

Compulsory learning activities

• The student shall present their own exploratory research project orally for the rest of the group. The presentation can be a combination artistic/practical and verbal performance.
• The student shall also give feedback on one of the other course member’s presentations.

The compulsory learning activity must be completed according to a certain deadline and be approved before the student can take the exam.

Assessment

The student shall write a critical reflection as an essay or an article on approximately 10 pages, connected to the oral performance.

Grading scale: pass/fail.

The exam will be assessed based on the learning outcome formulations for the course.

If the student fails, it is possible to resubmit an improved version of the text the next academic year. This can only be done once. If the student fail again, a new text must be submitted.

Examination support material

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