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EDL 523 Research in Education
Spring 2012 Syllabus
Online Course
Dr. Howard V. Coleman, InstructorOffice: Friday Annex – Room 131
Phone: (910) 962-7287 Email:
Office Hours:
Mondays, OL 10:00 – 2:00 Tuesdays, F2F 9:00 – 1:00 Wednesdays, F2F 12:00 – 2:00
Appointments may be scheduled by phone or via email
Conceptual Framework: The EDL 523 Research in Education Courseis designed to prepareeducators with the knowledge and understanding to make ethical and effective decisions in public schools. This course provides opportunities for students to learn a variety of approaches for designing, planning, and conducting educational research.
Goals & Objectives: The general goals and objectives of the course are to develop an awareness of educational research concepts and issues, to gain a clear perspective of the role of research in education, and to acquire the ability to understand and use research studies as reflective practioners in public schools.
Instructional Methods and Activities:Students will receive instruction on the content knowledge required to create research designs, to conduct research, and to interpret the results ofresearch in education. Quantitative & qualitative methodologies, work products, online discussions, and exams provide an array of content knowledge and techniques for evaluating school performance and assessing student achievement in public schools. Assignments are aligned with the UNCW Diversity Goals and the NC Executive Standards for School Leaders relative to focusing on the individual, diverse, and specific needs of lower socio-economic, ESL, special education, and minority students.
Assignments / DUE DATES5 points –Survey / Wednesday, January 18th
5 points - AERA Exam / Wednesday January 25th
5 points - IRB Certification Assignment / Wednesday February 1st
5 points - Online Vocabulary Exam / Wednesday, February 15th
5 points - Online Validity Exam / Wednesday, February 22nd
5 points - EXCEL Exercises / Wednesday, February 29th
20 points - Research Topic Paper / Wednesday, March 7th
Spring Break / No Class
5 points – Discussion Posting Assignment / Wednesday, March 21st
5 points - Online Exam / Wednesday, March 28th
5 points – Discussion Posting Assignment / Wednesday, April 4th
5 points – Qualitative Survey Assignment / Wednesday, April 11th
5 points – Survey / Wednesday, April 18th
25 points - Research/Methodology Paper / Monday, April 30th
100 = Total number of points
Grading Scale: Grades will be based on the total number of points earned during the semester:
91 – 100 points=A81 - 90 points=B
71 - 80 points=C
Below 71 points =F
Class Format: This course is offered as a fully online course. All students must have access to a computer and check the class site on Blackboard. There are no textbooks required for this course. The instructor will post the weekly materials and due dates each week. It is the responsibility of the student to access the materials, note any due dates, and ask the instructors questions if there are any. Discussion Board postings will be made in Blackboard.
Submission of Assignments & Work Products: All discussion assignments, postings, exams and written work products are expected to be complete and accurate. All written work must conform to APA style, be typed, be free of errors and completed by the due dates in the course calendar. Late work will not be accepted without penalty.
Blackboard Netiquette: Carefully consider your tone when posting messages to Blackboard. Since there are no visual clues, other than the message posted, pay careful attention to the manner in which messages are posted so that messages will not be taken out of context. Do not use all caps, bold, or underline to emphasize your points. Also, remember that even if you disagree with another person's idea, opinion or solution, do not attack the person. Simply state that you disagree with the person's idea, opinion or solution, and defend your alternative response with logical, coherent, and non-judgmental statements. Refrain from continuing a discussion that simply rehashes what has already been stated. Furthermore, in order to keep the level of discourse at a graduate level, please refrain from using "e slang" when posting messages (i.e. "i no ur readin @ home" is not acceptable). Please use complete and coherent thoughts with appropriate punctuation and capitalization. Threaded discussions should be used for comments relative to the topic for discussion only.
Attendance: Class participation is required. This course is delivered fully online. Students are expected to actively engage in all aspects of the online components. If a student cannot meet a scheduled deadline or class requirement, the instructor should be notified in advance. Failure to participate in online assignments within the timeframe allotted will result in the loss of participation points.
Professional Conduct: All students are required to adhere to the Watson School of Education Standards for Professional Conduct (See
Special Needs: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statue that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the office of the Dean of Students 2017 Fisher University Union, 910-962-3119.
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Other Websites of Interest
Educational Lab (WSE),
Randall Library,
Randall Research Site,
Students with Disabilities,
University Learning Center,
Technology Assistance Center,