Courses offered in the Department of Educational Leadership

EDL 860 Application of Qualitative Research Skills for School Improvement - 3 credits

This course introduces advanced graduate students to the foundations and methodologies of qualitative inquiry/research. Course topics include philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, planning for a qualitative research project, negotiating entry to the field, ethics of conducting research, data collection and analysis techniques (e.g., interviewing, observations, content analysis, focus groups), and writing/presenting qualitative research. The course includes field-based exercises and assignments involving participant observation and interviewing. It also includes the analysis and presentation of qualitative research data through computer-based lab assignments. Student learning activities may be integrated into the White Paper and dissertation.