MEd Interdisciplinary Studies: Research Step Three
This program is Step 3 of the MEd Interdisciplinary program route.
In this final stage of the MEd Interdisciplinary degree route students have the opportunity to draw on their two specialization areas from year 1 and year 2 to study a problem of practice. The focus on this last stage is research. Students will use methodologies involving literature conceptualizations as well as content analysis or secondary analysis of publicly available data.
Experiential learning is learning by doing that bridges knowledge and experience through critical reflection. This program offers the following kinds of experiential learning opportunities:
- Creating research plans, translating theoretical knowledge into structured, actionable forms
- Developing an understanding about how research skills are linked to key educational practices such as program and practice evaluation
- Engaging in key professional and research skills: complex-problem solving, collaborative design, peer review, and presentation of ideas and information
- Working with real-world knowledge mobilization venues and requirements
Courses in the Education Research Topic are offered fully online, using web-based applications.
Next program start date: Summer 2025 (refer to the Academic Schedule for specific dates)
Application period: November 1 - March 1
2024-25 Course Registration Information & Course Descriptions
Students may select from the registration options listed below each term. There are no assigned cohorts.
- Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L
- 3 units per course
Term 1 - Summer
Program & Practice Evaluation
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of evaluation - as a discipline, as a profession, as a process and a product in a wide range of educational and social contexts. The primary focus of the course is program evaluation rather than the assessment of individuals (for example, the measurement of student achievement or personnel review).
Registration Options:
EDER 602 L01 (50171)
EDER 602 L02 (50172)
EDER 602 L03 (50173)
EDER 602 L05 (50175)
Term 2 - Fall
Research Methodology in Education
This course focuses on various issues, methods, and techniques in educational research. Including some of the issues and dilemmas that frame the context for contemporary research, as well as a preliminary consideration of research strategies, methods, and techniques in a manner intended to assist participants in selecting research questions, methods, and strategies for further study. Students will also be encouraged to approach research articles and reports with a critical perspective.
Registration Options:
EDER 600 L01 (72360)
EDER 600 L02 (72361)
EDER 600 L03 (72362)
EDER 600 L05 (72364)
Term 3 - Winter
Collaboratory of Practice
Collaboratories of Practice represent a fusion of two important developments in contemporary research: communities of practice and collaboratories. A collaboratory is a new networked organizational form involving structured experiences of authentic, real-world practice which serve as sources of active inquiry and professional learning. This course provides opportunities for individuals or groups to investigate real world problems and to devise or recommend pragmatic solutions suitable to their contexts.
Registration Options:
EDER 604 L01 (12228)
EDER 604 L02 (12229)
EDER 604 L04 (12231)
EDER 604 L05 (12232)
Term 4 - Spring
Writing Educational Research
Topics will include genres and purposes of academic writing, and venues for presentation and publication. An acceptable paper- whether intended for an academic or a professional audience, and whether a research report or a theoretical-philosophical argument – takes a clearly defined topic or idea, situates it in the current literature, and supports it with a well-structured discussion. The principal intensions of this course are to introduce students to the various structures of academic papers and to provide support in their efforts to craft and publish their written work.