EDL 9885: Advanced Research Methods in Teacher Leadership

3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: EDRS 8100 and EDRS 8200
This doctoral-level course is specifically tailored for aspiring educational leaders, focusing on advanced research methodologies that directly impact school leadership and policy. Students will explore how to design and implement research that addresses critical issues in school leadership, such as educational equality, instructional effectiveness, and organizational improvement. Through a hands-on approach, students will develop, design, and execute a pilot study aligned with their dissertation project, equipping them with the skills to lead evidence-based change and make data-informed decisions in their schools and districts. This course builds on prior knowledge of statistics and qualitative research, providing a comprehensive framework for conducting high-impact research in educational settings.

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Analyze and critique various advanced research methodologies used in educational leadership studies, identifying strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations.
Design a detailed research proposal that includes a well-defined problem statement, literature review, research questions, methodology, and data analysis plan, tailored to the context of school leadership.
Integrate qualitative and quantitative research methods to address complex research questions, demonstrating proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Utilize advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques to interpret complex data sets, drawing meaningful conclusions relevant to educational leadership.
Develop and execute a pilot study that addresses a significant issue in school leadership, demonstrating the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical research problems.
Critically assess research findings, considering their implications for policy and practice in educational leadership, and effectively communicate these findings to diverse audiences.
Apply ethical principles and considerations in the design and conduct of research, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the research process and outcomes.
Synthesize knowledge and skills gained to prepare a foundation for the dissertation project, demonstrating readiness to undertake a significant, independent research study in school leadership.