This graduate course is designed to develop an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research designs. It will focus on basic descriptive and inferential statistics to assist candidates in designing a quantitative study for their final project; and on qualitative designs to assist candidates who may choose to complete their project using this type of research. It will also focus on quantitative decision-making as it relates to school settings and school issues. During this course, candidates will understand the research process and begin to develop a plan for their final project that is required for this program. During each of the subsequent semesters of this program, candidates will have continuing opportunities to meet both individually and collaboratively with the other members of the cohort and the faculty as their final project is developed. 

 

After completing this course, candidates should have attained knowledge and skills about several effective action research and evaluation strategies.  Educational Leadership Program cohort members will develop a better understanding the importance of qualitative and quantitative research approaches to educational improvement and realize how applying these approaches and techniques can help them become better decision-makers and problem solvers.  

 

Candidates will put theory to practice by developing the first draft of their research proposal for the Educational Leadership Program.  One of the goals in this course is to assist you in developing an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research designs to a level where you are able to complete your final research project using one or both of these research methods.