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PPFO301 Introduction to Educational Research Methods

Credits (ECTS):15

Course responsible:Snorre Nordal

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:35

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:Total workload: ca. 375 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel and has teaching and assessment in Autumn parallel.

About this course

Research methods presuppose an insight into both the specific topics and the researcher's participative role and scientific approach. The course deals with both qualitative and quantitative methods as tools for researching practices of learning and teaching. Topics: phenomenology, philosophy of science, case study methodology, action research, and educational research methods such as interviews, questionnaires, and observations.

Learning outcome

The course aims at providing the students with a basis for using educational research methodology in the master's thesis.

Knowledge: The candidate has knowledge about research methodological issues related to subject, pedagogical and didactical questions.

Skills: The candidate has knowledge about relevant literature on methodology and can apply this knowledge to his/her own research project. The candidate can independently vary research methods to diversify and differentiate education following curricula documents.

General competency: The candidate can reflect on science didactical, science philosophical, research methodological and ethical issues.

  • The course is based on gatherings in addition to individual work between the gatherings.
  • The two assignments are assisted through supervision from both course teachers and fellow students.
  • PPFD301, PPPE301 and teaching competency in science and/or mathematics.

  • Written assignment.

    Examination details: passed/not passed



  • The course responsible and one internal/external examiner approves the exam arrangement and the criteria for evaluation and assesses the students' final assignment. External assessment each third year.

  • Participation in the gatherings with a requirement of a minimum of 80% attendance

    Individual written assignment, assessed approved/not approved, students evaluate each other

  • Six gatherings of up to one day. In addition, the students will meet for half a day together with PPUT301.
  • M-LUN
  • Special requirements in science/mathematics