Module manager: Dr Diana McCray
Email: D.Mazgutova@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This core 60 credit module provides you with the opportunity to exploit the knowledge and skills you have acquired through the other elements of your programme. It provides research-methods-specific knowledge and skills to enable you to carry out a small-scale research project on a topic of particular interest to you. This module provides a sound foundation for future classroom- and/or school-based research studies as well as PhD level research.
To give you the knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out a small scale empirical or project-based research on a chosen topic.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods and techniques relevant to TESOL.
2. Identify a topic of personal or professional interest in the area of language education, normally TESOL, to be researched further for the dissertation;
3. Demonstrate understanding of how your chosen topic might be investigated, taking into consideration:
--Formulation of research questions
--Research design
--Reviewing literature
--Qualitative research methods
--Quantitative research methods
--Sampling
--Analysis
--Quality in research
--Ethics
4. Carry out reading and study, and, if appropriate, empirical research on this topic;
5. Report the findings in a written work.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Investigate an area of TESOL using appropriate research methods and skills
2. Search for, evaluate and use a variety of information sources across a variety of formats and media and technologies, to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
3. Demonstrate independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development
4. Plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Independent online learning hours | 77 | ||
| Private study hours | 500 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Student progress will be monitored through the tutorials related to the ‘Research Methods for TESOL’ seminar series. Additionally, formative feedback takes the form of supervisor support in supervision meetings and comments provided in the course of the development of successive iterations of the proposal.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Recorded presentation | 10 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 90 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
In preparation for the recorded presentation, students will complete 2 formative (unassessed) portfolio tasks, both due at beginning of December. They will need to submit a 10-minute prerecorded presentation in early January. The word count for the dissertation will still remain at 12,000 words (+/-10%).
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team