Educational Research Methods

• This presentation serves as a guide to inquiry methods aligned with modern inquiry-based learning frameworks. It focuses on techniques for developing critical thinking and systematic investigation skills, engaging with foundational approaches to academic inquiry.

Week 1 Highlights Recap

• The module's inquiry-based learning framework and assignment expectations were explored.
• Collaborative digital tools and research platforms supporting investigative learning were discovered.
• Introductory activities emphasized understanding core Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) methodologies and student-driven exploration.
• Investigative topics that align with an inquiry-based learning approach were identified.

Week 1's Aim

• Week 1 was designed to set the stage for an inquiry journey.
• The aim was to familiarize individuals with the module's structure and resources through an inquiry-based learning lens.
• Week 1 sought to help engage foundational inquiry methods and conceptual frameworks and start a topic exploration process.

This Week: Inquiry Methods

• The focus is on techniques appropriate for a preparatory level within inquiry-based learning frameworks.
• Expect a balanced approach, exploring both qualitative and quantitative inquiry strategies supporting active, student-driven learning.
• This is an introductory exploration of constructing knowledge through systematic investigation.

Learning Outcomes

• Inquiry Method Selection: Develop skills to align inquiry methods with inquiry-based learning frameworks.
• Qualitative Inquiry Understanding: Gain insights into qualitative inquiry approaches and their role in student-centered learning.
• Quantitative Inquiry Understanding: Learn quantitative inquiry methods and their uses in constructivist models.

What is an Inquiry Method?

• An inquiry method is a strategic approach for systematically exploring and understanding information through purposeful questioning and investigation.
• The method should be chosen based on the inquiry question, aligning with inquiry-based learning frameworks supporting active, student-centered exploration (Creswell, 2014).

Selecting an Inquiry Method

• Inquiry Question: The guiding question shapes the inquiry approach.
• Learning Evidence: Consider what type of evidence will demonstrate understanding, such as qualitative insights, quantitative data, or visual representations.
• Learning Resources: Determine what learning resources and contexts are available, including time, access, collaborative opportunities, and pedagogical expertise.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Inquiry

• Inquiry is often categorized into qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods is crucial for method selection based on investigative goals.

Qualitative Inquiry

• Qualitative inquiry explores complex phenomena in depth, aligning with inquiry-based learning frameworks.
• It seeks to understand experiences, perspectives, and meanings through interactive, student-centered methodologies, using non-numerical data.

Examples: Qualitative Inquiry

• Interviews: Structured dialogues that promote deep reflection and meaning-making.
• Focus Groups: Collaborative discussions that enable collective knowledge construction and perspective sharing.
• Case Studies: Contextualized explorations that support in-depth understanding and critical thinking.

Quantitative Inquiry

• Quantitative inquiry is focused on numerical data and statistical analysis through systematic investigation.
• It quantifies relationships between variables, aligning with inquiry-based learning frameworks, emphasizing evidence-driven understanding and critical analysis (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2017).

Examples: Quantitative Inquiry

• Surveys: Collecting data through structured questioning to generate investigative insights.
• Experiments: Systematically manipulating variables to explore causal relationships in an inquiry-driven process.
• Statistical Analysis: Critically examining numerical data to identify patterns and validate hypotheses within an inquiry-based framework.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative: Inquiry Approaches

• Qualitative Inquiry: Involves exploratory learning, subjective understanding, and interpretive meaning-making.
• Quantitative Inquiry: Involves confirmatory investigation, objective measurement, and systematic knowledge construction.

Combining Methods (Mixed Methods)

• Combining qualitative and quantitative inquiry is an approach, this allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex problems through an inquiry-based learning framework (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010).

Example: Mixed Methods Inquiry

• Conducting a survey (quantitative) to gather broad data and follow-up with interviews (qualitative) to explore specific findings in more depth.
• This approach provides a richer understanding aligned with emphasizing multiple perspectives and deep exploration.

Ethical Considerations in Inquiry

• Inquiry must always be conducted ethically; obtaining informed consent, protecting participant privacy, and ensuring confidentiality.
• Ethical considerations are fundamental to creating a respectful environment where participants can explore and construct knowledge collaboratively.

Validity and Reliability in Inquiry

• Validity: Measuring what you intend to measure through your investigative methods.
• Reliability: The consistency of the results; inquiry can be replicated and validated across different contexts.

Data Analysis in Inquiry

• Data analysis is a component of inquiry-based learning, involving systematic organisation and interpretation of collected data.
• Qualitative inquiry uses thematic analysis, while quantitative inquiry employs statistical techniques to understand patterns and draw insights.

Reporting Your Inquiry Findings

• Clearly and accurately report your inquiry findings with appropriate tables, charts, and figures aligned with inquiry-based learning frameworks.
• Explain methodological approaches and limitations, and any potential biases in the investigative process.

Inquiry Design

• Inquiry design is a roadmap for answering the investigative question.
• It outlines how to collect and analyse data for a rigorous, learner-centered approach to systematic exploration.

Examples of Inquiry Design Methods

• Descriptive Inquiry: Data collected at a single point to understand current perspectives.
• Longitudinal Exploration: Data collected over time to track learning progressions and developmental changes.
• Experimental Investigation: Systematically manipulating variables to understand causal relationships.

Sampling Techniques

• Sampling involves selecting a subset of the population to study.
• Techniques include random sampling and convenience sampling, which help learners systematically investigate questions and develop critical thinking skills.

Inquiry Methods

• Surveys: Gather systematic feedback through structured investigations.
• Interviews: Explore individual perspectives through in-depth dialogues.
• Observations: Conduct contextual examination of real-world phenomena.
• Experiments: Test hypothetical relationships through controlled interventions.
• Inquiry methods align with inquiry-based learning frameworks, emphasizing active exploration, critical, and learner-driven investigation.

Surveys: Key Inquiry Considerations

• Question Design: Craft clear, concise, and unbiased questions.
• Sample Size: Select a sufficient sample ensuring representative insights for systematic inquiry.
• Response Rate: A high response rate minimizes bias and strengthens validity.

Interviews: Inquiry-Based Approach

• Structured Inquiry Guide: Framework that supports open-ended, reflective questioning.
• Collaborative Dialogue: Environment that encourages participant-driven exploration.
• Reflexive Documentation: Insights that reveal learning processes and perspectives.

Inquiry Observations: Key Considerations

• Reflective Awareness: Recognize and mitigate personal biases in systematic processes.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Capture nuanced observations aligned with inquiry-based learning frameworks.
• Ethical Engagement: Ensure participant autonomy and informed consent.

Inquiry: Key Considerations

• Observation & Questioning: Encourage active questioning and systematic observation.
• Collaborative Learning: Promote peer interaction and shared knowledge construction.
• Student-Driven Exploration: Enable learners to design and guide their own inquiry processes.

Key Takeaways

• Inquiry Method Selection: Choose methods aligned with inquiry-based learning frameworks and your specific inquiry question.
• Qualitative & Quantitative Inquiry: Understand the differences between approaches within constructivist and interpretive learning paradigms.
• Ethical Inquiry Practices: Prioritise ethical considerations and student agency in your inquiry-based learning process.

Next Steps

• Reflect on the inquiry methods discussed.
• Consider how the inquiry methods align with inquiry-based learning frameworks like the Productive Thinking Model and the 5E Instructional Model.
• Start planning your inquiry design by mapping out essential questions and potential investigative strategies.

This material covers effective inquiry methods, sampling techniques, and experimental designs. It tackles feedback gathering, in-depth understanding of learning, and non-interfering assessment of group projects.