Course provides an understanding of common qualitative and quantitative methods employed in early childhood education research. Pre-requisites: undergraduate ECFS majors or permission of instructor. Course is intended for education undergraduates and counts toward Writing credit.

The second quarter focuses on the use of the research design in a real-world context (e.g., not a contrived context) and the study of what takes place. In this course students will engage in extensive analysis of their own interventions and support the development of students work into case studies, ethnographies, and micro-genetic analysis of learning events. Students will be required to develop both a poster presentation and develop a paper of their work. Pre-requisites: graduate status in Education, and must have your own data set. EDC&I 581 (Part I) is highly recommended.

Design-based research methods are an emerging form of educational inquiry that involves the orchestration and study of complex education interventions in naturalistic settings. In constrast to methods that are strictly observational, design-based research seeks to shape and even engineer learning environments and experiences “in the wild.” The first quarter of this class will focus on identifying a context for design research and engaging in design activities. Students will plan to carry out a design intervention between this class and part II.

Introduces the principles of mixed methods research design, whereby qualitative and quantitative components inform each other in sampling, data collection, and data analysis. Explores design issues and solutions primarily in the context of education policy research. Pre-requisites: graduate status in Education or permission of instructor.