Overview
In the first unit, we look at the role of academic research and its importance to your learning. We will discuss qualitative and quantitative methods for research, outline what makes a good research question and why, and discuss the difference between primary and secondary research. Within this unit you will start to develop skills in searching for and identifying useful research articles, and we will discuss academic vs. grey literature. You will also start to identify your own research interests/topics and begin to generate one or more examples of a research question that would align with your research interests.
Learning Activities and Assignments
- Read the required readings for the unit, and view the required videos.
- Complete the Padlet activities described below.
- Complete and submit Assignment 1: Role and Importance of Research (Individual).
Activity 1 | Padlet check-in
Find or take a photo that represents how you feel about your experience with research and academic writing. Upload the photo to the Unit 1 Activity 1 Padlet and include a 100-150 word (max) summary of why you chose the photo. View your colleagues posts and comment on at least two. Be sure to put your name on your Padlet submission.
Activity 2 | Padlet What might you be curious to research and why?
Consider what you might be curious to research as you progress in the program, beyond this class. Post 2-3 ideas that you have and explain why they interest you. At this point, you are not committing to a research topic. You are just brainstorming some preliminary ideas. Post your submission to Unit 1Activity 2 Padlet. Be sure to put your name on your Padlet submission.
Activity 3 | Padlet Practice drafting a research question
Use Unit 1 Activity 3 Padlet to respond to two questions: 1. What are one or two things that make a good research question? Use point form. Refer to your readings and your own research. 2. What would be your first attempt at drafting a research question?
Activity 4 | Research Discussions
Referring to your draft research question from Activity 3:
-Would you use qualitative, quantitative, or mixedmethods — and why?
-What primary and/or secondary data might you use— and what would they tell you?
Be sure to include your name and to remind your classmates of your research question. Post your submissions to Unit 1 Activity 4 Padlet Research Discussions.
When responding to others’ posts: (1) provide an insightful comment about what their chosen approach would provide and (2) offer an alternative approach, and speculate about how that might change what they discover.
Activity 5 | What will you focus on for Assignment #1 and why?
Review the Assignment #1 guidelines and share what topic might interest you to explore. Explain why, Unit 1Activity 5 Padlet.
Assignment 1 | Role and Importance of Research (individual)
Complete and submit Assignment 1.