Educational research in the domain of Technical Design and Technology and Engineering Technology areas will push the knowledge base forward by helping you to understand (to name a few):
- The variables involved in the uptake or downfall of studies (or courses) related to the technological subjects.
- How to address common challenges that traditionally plague technological subject areas such as peoples' negative perceptions or misinformation.
- How to foster an updated philosophy of technology through better curriculum design, better use of school resources, better links with industrial entities, developing an authentic STEAM approach etc.
The following is a brief list from an ample list of research topics:
- An investigation of the routes for employability of graduates with a degree in Technical Design and Technology.
- Developing technological curricula for the use of modern tools e.g. 3D printers.
- The implementation of Design and Technology at primary level.
Educational research in the domain of Technical Design and Technology and Engineering Technology areas will push the knowledge base forward by helping to understand:
- The variables involved in the uptake or downfall of studies (or courses) related to the technological subjects.
- How to address common challenges that traditionally plague technological subject areas such as peoples' negative perceptions or misinformation.
- How to foster an updated philosophy of technology through better curriculum design, better use of school resources, better links with industrial entities, developing an authentic STEAM approach, etc.
- How to develop pedagogically sound practices for teaching and learning technological subjects.
- How technology is learnt through informal activities.
- The cognitive processes involved in the study of technological subjects and how these can be tapped to foster human development.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of research topics:
- An investigation of the routes for employability of graduates with a degree in Technical Design and Technology.
- The implementation of an A-level – issues and challenges.
- The implementation of Design and Technology at primary level.
- Developing a framework for the recognition of informal knowledge in technological subjects.
- The differences and similarities between general education and vocational education within the technological subjects.
- An investigation of transferable skills within technology education.
- Developing a framework for valid and reliable methods for the assessment of project work in technology education.
- Developing technological curricula for the use of modern tools e.g. 3D printers.
- Investigating gender differences in the uptake of technologically related studies and professions.
- Designing an image for technology education – how to address and target the perceptions of diverse audiences like students, parents, experts, policy makers, industrialists, etc.
- Evaluate the needs and demands for continuous professional development of teachers in the technological domains.
| Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2) | |||||
| Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) | |||||
| EDU5949* | Dissertation | 80 ECTS | |||
| *Work on the Dissertation is expected to start in the first semester of academic year 2023-24 and continue up to the end of the second semester of academic year 2025-26. | |||||
| Semester 1 | |||||
| Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) | |||||
| EDU5970 | Fundamentals of Educational Research | 5 ECTS | |||
| Semester 2 | |||||
| Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s) | |||||
| EDU5971 | Applied Educational Research Methods | 5 ECTS | |||
This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Education - M.Ed. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Education.
