Research
ED504 Techniques of Educational Research I
Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education
Instructional Leadership and Support
Course Syllabus
Fall 1 2025
Contents Course Number and Title Error! Bookmark not defined. Instructor Information 2 Course Information 2 Course Materials 3 Technology Guidance, Tools and Requirements 3 Instructor Expectations 5 Course Evaluation and Grading 5 Student Support Resources 7 Online Policies 9 Copyright Disclaimer 10
Instructor Information
Instructor: Dr. Brandon Renfroe, Ed.D.
Email: brenfroe@uwa.edu
Phone: (205) 473-2263
Virtual Office Hours: Students are welcome to email or text at any time.
Course Information
Description
Major concepts and techniques of educational research to include research application, data interpretation, use and development of data collection instruments related to the field of study.
Credit hours: 3
Standards
InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards
Standard 5: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Standard 6: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Standard 7: Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Standard 8: Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (Advanced Standards)
A1.1: The provider ensures that candidates for professional specialties develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of their field of preparation and, by completion, are able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career-readiness standards.
Department/College Objectives and Outcomes
College of Education Framework: The College of Education at UWA instills an overall framework which encompasses the vision, mission, and student learning outcomes of the college. The framework provides a graphic indicating the empowered practitioner at the center. Review the College of Education Framework within Start Here Documents in Blackboard.
College of Education Dispositions Assessment: Within the College of Education, all students are assessed after selected courses (online or on-campus) on several dispositions that the student (undergraduate and graduate) displays during the term of the course. This assessment is completed by the course instructor and maintained within Blackboard. Review the College of Education Dispositions Assessment within Start Here Documents in Blackboard
Course Materials
Required
Fraenkel, J.R., Wallen, N.E., & Hyun, H.H. (2019). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (11th ed.). McGraw Hill Companies.
ISBN: 978-1260837742
Note: In this course, you will always need access to all chapters in the textbook. Chapters have been assigned, as best they could be, to align with the focus each learning module. However, because the sequence of assignments builds on each preceding submission, the information you need to study to complete an assignment might be found in chapters outside of that module’s readings.
Other
American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition).
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3217-8
Technology Guidance, Tools and Requirements
Start Here Guide
It is vital you review the information provided under the Start Here section of the Course Menu in Blackboard. In particular, the link to the Start Here Documents module directs you to information on course navigation/structure, expectations, Netiquette, testing and assignment rules, academic integrity and copyright disclaimer. This course is delivered via Blackboard, the University’s learning management system. Before beginning work in any course, you should thoroughly explore the course. The Start Here Documents module contains introductory activities that must be reviewed so that you are acclimated to the course layout and expectations.
Technical Requirements
Access the Student Technology webpage to retrieve the information needed for TigerCard, UWA Help Desk, Internet Policy, email policy and guidelines, and specifications for computer purchases. All coursework must be submitted on Blackboard.
This course requires a high-speed Internet connection. You must have speakers installed and working properly on your computer before beginning the course. Some courses may require the use of a webcam. Participation in an online course requires some basic knowledge of computer technology. You are expected to have a backup plan in the event your computer has operational problems, you lose electricity, or you lose Internet access. These factors are not an excuse for late or incomplete submission of assignments nor are they acceptable reasons for an assignment deadline extension. Most public libraries, school libraries, university libraries, etc., have computers with Internet access and are available for use by the public.
Required Hardware and Software
To participate fully in the course, you must have the following.
Reliable and speedy Internet access. This course may feature streaming video. It may also require you to take online tests. A high-speed Internet connection is required. Wireless (Wi-fi) connections may suffice, but a wired connection (Ethernet) is preferred, especially while taking tests.
Computer competency. You must be comfortable using email, posting to discussion boards, uploading and downloading documents, and accessing such resources as search engines and websites (e.g., Google, etc.). Common specific tools include the following:
Blackboard Learning Management System: Access to Blackboard requires you to log in with your Blackboard username and password. UWA is a “single sign-on” campus: The same credentials are used for most portals. If this information is lost, access the UWA My Account website, select Current Students, and Need an Account under the Technology heading.
Microsoft Office 365: UWA professors, staff, and students have access to Microsoft Office 365 at no additional cost. The software may be installed on up to five devices, including your home computer. Compatible devices include computers running either the Windows or Mac operating system, or mobile devices running iOS, Android or Windows.
SafeAssign: UWA is committed to helping students uphold the ethical standards of academic integrity in all areas of study. Students agree that their enrollment in this course allows the professor the right to use electronic devices to help prevent plagiarism. All course materials are subject to submission to Blackboard’s SafeAssign feature and will be included as source documents in Safe Assign’s restricted-access database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents.
Course Evaluation and Grading
For each of the activities listed below, follow the deadlines provided on the Course Schedule, which is linked on the Course Menu in Blackboard. Penalties for missing activities, along with other policies, are included in this syllabus. Please refer to the UWA Academic Calendar for university important deadline dates.
Table 1 Graded Activities
|
Activity Title |
Possible Points |
Grade Percentage |
Assessed Outcomes |
|
100 |
2.5% |
|
|
|
Plagiarism Quiz |
100 |
2.5% |
|
|
Test Your APA Style Knowledge Quiz |
100 |
2.5% |
|
|
CITI Certification |
100 |
2.5% |
|
|
Quiz 1 |
100 |
5% |
|
|
Research Topic |
100 |
5% |
InTASC 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1 |
|
Quiz 2 |
100 |
5% |
|
|
Quiz 3 |
100 |
5% |
|
|
Research Proposal Outline |
100 |
15% |
InTASC 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1 |
|
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 First Submission |
100 |
20% |
InTASC 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1 |
|
Module Final Submission |
100 |
35% |
InTASC 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1 |
Graded Activities
All project-based assignments will be graded according to the scoring guides (or grading rubrics) provided in Blackboard. Graded activities may include the following.
Discussion Boards/Forums
Discussions are designed to enrich each student’s engagement with the assigned readings, stimulate critical thinking, and foster a sense of community. An online discussion forum is a “technological cognitive tool” that stimulates cognitive learning and critical thinking. Students engaged with course content in forums engage with other students in a generative processing of information.
Assignments
All assignments are project-based and will be graded according to the grading rubrics provided for each assignment.
Readings - Note: In this course, you will always need access to all chapters in the textbook. Chapters have been assigned, as best they could be, to align with the focus each learning module. However, because the sequence of assignments builds on each preceding submission, the information you need to study to complete an assignment might be found in chapters outside of that module’s readings.
Plagiarism Quiz - After viewing the PowerPoint presentation on plagiarism developed by the library staff at The University of West Alabama, complete the quiz to test your knowledge. The quiz is required. The quiz will serve two purposes. It will assist you in obtaining a clear understanding of plagiarism and help you avoid making plagiarism mistakes in this course.
Writing Tips Quiz - Review the Writing Tips sheet. Then take the Writing Tips quiz. This quiz is required. You may use your Writing Tips sheet as a reference during the quiz.
CITI Certification – Complete the CITI online course and upload your certificate in Blackboard. The CITI online course is free.
Research Topic - Students will submit a brief description of the proposed topic for approval or redirection and feedback.
Research Proposal Outline - Students will complete a thorough outline that will serve as a foundation for developing and writing a research proposal (3-chapter format) that is known as the Signature Project Stage 1 (Research Proposal).
Signature Project Stage 1 - The purpose of this assignment is to build knowledge of an educational research problem while successfully writing Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of a research proposal. The Signature Project Stage 1 is the Research Proposal. This assignment will be submitted through SafeAssign. Proposals with a similarity score over 25% may have points deducted. A proposal over 50% similarity will not be graded and a grade of 0 will be recorded. See grading rubric.
Assessments (Quizzes/Exams)
Quizzes and exams will be conducted on Blackboard. The Course Schedule found within your course will indicate when quizzes and/or exams will be given.
Grading Information
Final grades will be assigned using these guidelines.
Table 2 Course Grading Chart
|
Letter Grade |
Percentage Range |
|
A |
90-100 |
|
B |
80-89 |
|
C |
70-79 |
|
D |
60-69 |
|
F |
0-59 |
Student Support Resources
Technical Resources
Support from the UWA HelpDesk
If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please create a support ticket by using the UWA HelpDesk link and a technician will contact you to provide assistance. Visit the UWA HelpDesk webpage to find out how to receive technology support and what technology services are available to you.
Email Communications
Blackboard Course Messages. Unless otherwise noted, you should use only the Course Messages tool, located on the Course Menu in Blackboard to contact your course professor. If needed, view the Blackboard Support Tutorials for assistance using the Course Messages tool. It is crucial that your student email be monitored regularly throughout the online semester as you will be responsible for notices sent to that address.
UWA Outlook Email. You must use your UWA email account for all email communication with the instructor. The instructor will not open student email coming from any other email account. You are expected to check your UWA email account daily.
Library Services
The University of West Alabama is dedicated to providing the best education possible, whether on campus or through distance education. The Julia Tutwiler Library is pleased to offer books and articles through Interlibrary Loan (ILL), as well as access to online databases to online students. You can access the Julia Tutwiler Library at the Julia Tutwiler Library webpage and/or use the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) as a resource for writing using certain style guides, as instructed by your professor.
Student Success Center
The University of West Alabama provides various resources to students, if needed. Refer to Counseling Services and or Career Services to obtain options that are available for student success.
UWA Online Programs Resources
The UWA Division of Online Programs webpage provides links to useful information regarding your online program. Students may reference the Textbook Information for Online Courses webpage to order online textbooks. Reference the Academic Calendar webpage to familiarize yourself with academic deadlines for each term. The Frequently Asked Questions webpage may also prove to be useful.
Disability Services Office
The University of West Alabama strives to make its programs accessible to qualified persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who have special needs that require accommodation are responsible for notifying professors in each course in which they are enrolled and appropriate staff members, who in turn will refer the student to the ADA Compliance Coordinator. Following verification of the student’s status, the ADA Compliance Coordinator will work with the professor or staff member in implementing an appropriate plan for accommodating the student’s needs. Support documentation of special needs from a physician or other qualified professional will be required if deemed necessary. For additional information, students should contact the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Webb Hall 323, (205) 652-3581. Reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA (1993) will be made for course participants whose personal characteristics require specific instructional and testing conditions. Persons with such requirements must identify themselves to the professor at the beginning of the course.
Online Counseling Resources
When you enter UWA Blackboard, you will see a course titled “Counseling Resources” in your course list. This course provides you with a Writing Center, Math Center, APA Tutorial, Tips on Being Successful in the Online Environment, and Individual Counseling Services. You may also visit the UWA Counseling Services online webpage.
Online Policies
Attendance
Your attendance is automatically recorded in the Blackboard. While you enjoy the flexibility of online class and can participate at times best-suited for you, please note that active and attentive participation in the online environment is the only way for you to succeed in this class.
Syllabus Changes
Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the grading statement, the syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advanced notice.
Late Work and Make-Ups
Please attempt to remain current with readings and assignments. All assignments must be submitted in Blackboard within their designated locations by the deadlines as outlined in the Course Schedule to qualify for maximum credit.
Assignments
At the professor’s discretion, assignments received after the given deadline will be subject to an automatic deduction of points per day late or the score of zero for those assignments which are not accepted after their deadline. If you experience a technical issue when submitting an assignment on Blackboard, email your assignment to the instructor before the deadline so the instructor knows that you completed it on time. Then, enter a support ticket at the UWA HelpDesk link and submit the assignment on Blackboard as soon as your problem is resolved. You will not receive a grade in Blackboard unless you submit the assignment in Blackboard.
Assessments
Exams will not be reopened after their due date except for verified technical issues. Assessments must be completed within the designated time windows (see Course Schedule). You will be reminded about an upcoming assessment on the Course Schedule and detailed instructions will be provided on the Assessments link on the Course Menu for each assessment.
Extensions
Requests for extensions must be made in writing (via an email to your professor) in advance of deadlines and accompanied by appropriate written documentation (such as proof of hospitalization) if the excuse is to be acceptable to the professor. Computer problems, placing an assignment in an incorrect location, forgetting an assignment and/or not having the textbook are not acceptable excuses.
No assignment will be accepted after the last day of the term unless the student qualifies for an Incomplete Grade, has submitted the necessary paperwork requesting an Incomplete Grade, and has been approved by the professor for an Incomplete Grade. Travel and/or work-related activities do not qualify for late submissions of assignments or grades of “Incomplete.”
A regular and consistent pattern of course participation is an expectation of the online learning experience for professors and learners. The student bears the responsibility for submitting all assignments on time and in accordance with the course syllabus. The professor is in no way obligated to accept or consider any late student work.
Academic Responsibility
Students should be familiar with the university policies on Academic Responsibility contained in the Student Handbook. Violations of academic responsibility in this course will be handled as stipulated in that publication.
For detailed information on the UWA student policies, please review the UWA Online Student Handbook. These pertinent policies include drop policy, Academic Honor Code, Academic Code of Conduct, American with Disabilities Act, Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Electronic Communication Policy.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to adhere to the strictest standards of academic honesty. Each student should review the Academic Code of Conduct in its entirety in the UWA Online Student Handbook. This code strictly prohibits bribery, cheating, lying, and plagiarism. No form of cheating or plagiarism will be tolerated. Such actions will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures set forth in the UWA University catalog. It is therefore suggested that you obtain this document and read it carefully.
Copyright Disclaimer
Materials associated with this course are subject to copyright laws and protections. These materials are intended for the viewing of only those students enrolled in this course and only for the time during which they are enrolled. The contents of this course are not to be copied and shared. Because instructional materials on the course website may be protected by copyright law, students may not download materials from the course website to their desktops, laptops, or mobile computing devices, or alter or distribute any materials on the course site, unless clearly directed to do so.
Page 1 of 11
Page 11 of 11