Courses offered in the Department of Educational Leadership

ECL 800 Foundations of Social Science Research - 3 credits

The information in this course supports the research design and analysis of data for completion of the Applied Action Research Project. The emphasis is on familiarizing students with methods of research and data analysis. Examples of quantitative and qualitative methods are presented. Students explore techniques used in the identification of research problems, the formulation of hypotheses, the construction and use of data-gathering instruments, the design of research studies, and utilization of statistical procedures. An overview of commonly used statistical procedures, including introductory computer applications for data analysis.

Each student designs an independent research project which includes: identifying a topic relevant to his or her field, conducting a literature review, and writing an introduction, a purpose statement, method and procedure. Students create projects appropriate to their concentrations. School administrators write an action research project. Special educators write a program implementation plan. Professionals in curriculum and instruction develop a curriculum development plan.