Methodology of Educational Research Course | PG Level Guide by Prof. Sarita Anand
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 399 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering Educational Inquiry: A Deep Dive into the Methodology of Educational Research
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, evidence-based practice is paramount. Whether you're an aspiring researcher, a dedicated educator, or a policy-maker, the ability to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research is a fundamental skill. The postgraduate course "Methodology of Educational Research", expertly designed and delivered by Prof. Sarita Anand of Visva-Bharati University, offers a rigorous and comprehensive pathway to mastering this essential competency.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Sarita Anand
Prof. Sarita Anand brings over 15 years of rich academic and research experience to this course. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Visva-Bharati University (a Central University and Institute of National Importance), she specializes in Educational Technology, ICT, Research Methodology, and Assessment. A lifelong learner herself, Prof. Anand has successfully completed multiple SWAYAM courses and actively mentors students in online learning. Her expertise is further demonstrated by her creation of NCTE-recognized Open Educational Resources (OER), development of e-content for open universities, supervision of Ph.D. scholars, and an extensive publication record. Her practical experience as the SWAYAM-MOOCs coordinator and ICT-lab in-charge ensures the course is both theoretically sound and practically relevant.
Course Overview and Objectives
This 12-week, postgraduate-level course is structured to equip students with a systematic and scientific understanding of research in education. Aligned with UGC and NCTE norms, it is designed for M.Ed., M.A. (Education), and Ph.D. scholars. The course aims to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of educational research.
- Foster skills to identify research problems and formulate precise questions or hypotheses.
- Enable the selection and application of appropriate research designs (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods).
- Impart knowledge on sampling techniques, tool construction, and data analysis.
- Instill a strong sense of research ethics, academic integrity, and responsible reporting.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2: Foundations | Concept, purposes, and types (Basic, Applied, Action) of research. Processes and defining the research problem. |
| Week 3-4: Quantitative Methods | Experimental & Non-Experimental designs (Survey, Causal-comparative, Correlational). |
| Week 5-6: Qualitative & Mixed Methods | Historical, Case Study, Ethnography, Grounded Theory, and Mixed-Methods approaches. |
| Week 7-8: Sampling Design | Concepts of population/sample, sampling principles, types (Random, Stratified, Purposive, etc.), and determining sample size. |
| Week 9-10: Tools & Techniques | Questionnaires, tests, interviews, observation, triangulation, and an introduction to AI tools for research. |
| Week 11-12: Proposal, Report & Ethics | Literature review, research proposal/report writing, citation, reference management, ethics, plagiarism, and CC licensing. |
Learning Resources and Assessment
The course employs a multifaceted delivery approach to cater to diverse learning styles:
- E-Content: Comprehensive e-texts, self-learning video lectures, and curated reference materials.
- Assessment: Includes weekly self-assessment questions, a 30-MCQ test in Week 12, and a final proctored examination of 100 MCQs.
- Key Textbooks: The curriculum is supported by seminal texts from authors like Best & Kahn, Creswell & Creswell, Cohen, Manion & Morrison, and Ranjit Kumar, ensuring a solid theoretical foundation.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Postgraduate students (M.Ed., M.A. in Education).
- Ph.D. scholars beginning their research journey.
- In-service teachers and educators seeking to engage in evidence-based practice or action research.
- Professionals in educational institutions, teacher training colleges, and research organizations.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate degree in any discipline. A foundational interest in education and research is the primary requirement.
Conclusion: Building a Foundation for Impactful Research
The "Methodology of Educational Research" course is more than just an academic requirement; it's an investment in developing a critical, analytical, and ethical research mindset. Under the guidance of Prof. Sarita Anand, participants will gain the confidence and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of education. By mastering the methodologies explored in this course, you will be empowered to not only consume existing research but to design and execute your own studies, ultimately driving informed decisions and innovations in educational theory and practice.
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